Guyana Times - Saturday November 20, 2021

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4837

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

PRICE

7% Public Servants’ salary increase

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese already benefited from over $20B in relief measures – Min Indar – Budget 2022 to have more benefits, increases must be incremental – Min Walrond Page 7

Guyana looks forward to enhanced bilateral relations with Switzerland – President Ali – accepts Letters of Credence from non-resident Ambassador

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Coen Jackson wins $5M libel case against P8 Ruel Johnson EBD fatal accident

Vehicle that P18 caused accident swerved from hitting reversing truck – Police

Page 3

2 years’ jail, $11M fine for foreign nationals in unmarked P17 aircraft

President Dr Irfaan Ali standing alongside newly accredited Swiss Federal Consul to Guyana, His Excellency Dr Jürg Sprecher, and other officials after the Consul had handed over his Letters of Credence to the Guyanese Head of State at the Office of the President on Friday

International Men’s Day

PM encourages men to be abreast with modern society; share responsibility Page 9

GPHC to benefit from variety of health services in 5-year pact with NYC medical facility

Page 2

20-year-old placed on P13 $250,000 bail for allegedly raping minor Booster shots to be rolledP18 out on Monday – Dr Anthony announces …vaccination for 5-11 cohort delayed

Nigerian gets 10 years on P7 fraud conviction

– Ministry launches “shared responsibility” campaign

3 more unvaccinated persons succumb to COVID, death toll now 971 – 94 new cases detected in 24h Page 11

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPHC to benefit from variety of health services in 5-year pact with NYC medical facility T

he Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) is expected to benefit from a variety of medical services after signing a five-year partnership agreement with Northwell Health – New York State’s largest healthcare provider.

This medical partnership follows a two-year relationship between the two health providers and was signed by officials of the NYC medical facility and Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, on Friday.

According to a missive from Northwell Health, this partnership will also mutually support and enhance a variety of services from maternal-child health, family medicine, pathology, surgery, psychiatry and bring necessary equipment to GPHC. The agreement also joins Northwell into partnership with the University of Guyana (UG), which has goals of expanding its medical education programmes, in particular, nurse training programmes to help bring more advanced nurses to GPHC. With over 140,000 Guyanese Americans living in New York City, Northwell Health’s Director

of the Center Global Health (CGH), Eric Cioe Peña, MD, said this investment in Guyana is also about investing in communities back in the United States.

“This partnership is designed to first, strengthen Guyana’s health system and secondly, strengthen Northwell’s relationship with the people of Guyana. Our doctors, nurses and health professionals take care of the largest diaspora of Guyanese people in the United States. Working with the communities locally in Queens and internationally in Georgetown is an important step to further our mission to raise healthcare for all people and all communities,” the Northwell Director posited.

Northwell Health plans to learn and adopt the very effective Guyanese model of Family-Centred Medicine and its delivery of primary care to its network of 23 hospitals in New York.

Team building

Also working with its partners in Brooklyn, paediatricians representing the Maimonides Medical Center Global Health Institute assessed paediatric care at GPHC. Maimonides Medical Center, an affiliate of Northwell Health, has a

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Northwell Director Dr Eric Cioe-Peña signing the medical agreement

decade-long relationship with GPHC through the Caribbean Heart Institute, the country’s first cardiac surgery programme.

This programme was established by Maimonides surgeon Dr Gary Stephens in 2006, who is Guyanese. The Maimonides team has supported Dr Stephens on more than 50 trips to Guyana to provide

open-heart surgeries to those in need.

Northwell and GPHC’s relationship goes back to 2018 when radiologists went to the US for imaging training.

In 2019, CGH travelled to Guyana to perform a needs assessment in advance of a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), then international travel restric-

tions from the COVID-19 pandemic put the world on hold. In support of GPHC and its other strategic partners in Ecuador and India, Northwell sent critical supplies and PPE during the pandemic.

After the five-year commitment, metrics and goals will be reviewed to ensure accurate benchmarks and a new five-year plan will be

created.

Dr Cioe Peña said through global health programmes, doctors and nurses learn and share invaluable skills that improve the care they provide when returning from these trips.

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with 22 hospitals, 830 outpatient facilities, and more than 16,600 affiliated physicians. It cares for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from communities.

The facility’s 77,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change healthcare for the better.

They are making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. They are also training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Nov 20 – 00:00h – 06:00h and Sunday, Nov 21 – 00:00h – 06:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Nov 20 – 16:25h – 17:55h and Sunday, Nov 21 – 05:25h – 06:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Westerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:51h reaching a maximum height of 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 10:28h and 22:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.66 metre and 0.52 metre.

Guyana looks forward to enhanced bilateral relations with Switzerland – President Ali

– accepts Letters of Credence from non-resident Ambassador

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday accepted the letters of credence from the Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Federal Council to Guyana, His Excellency Dr Jürg Sprecher, while stating that he is looking forward to greater bilateral relations between the two nations.

The simple ceremony took place at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, the two countries have enjoyed very cordial relations.

The new non-resident ambassador’s appointment allows the two countries to strengthen those relations further.

“We look forward to

Swiss Federal Consul to Guyana, His Excellency Dr Jürg Sprecher, handing over his Letters of Credence to President Irfaan Ali

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

04 15 18

19 22 23

FREE TICKET

25 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

09 14 15 16 22 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05 10 13 14 15 17 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

01 02 03 08 10 13

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$78.89/barrel

-2.98

Rough Rice

$262.67/ton

+0.02

London Sugar

$516.60/ton

-1.54

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1845.00

$1846.00

Low/High Change

$1842.40 0.00

$1866.60 0.00%

Swiss Federal Consul to Guyana, His Excellency Dr Jürg Sprecher, upon his arrival at the Office of the President on Friday

collaborating with the Government of Switzerland to explore areas for a more

active approach to our bilateral agenda, especially in the areas of technical co-

operation, trade and investment.”

The President said that Guyana is cognisant of Switzerland’s commitment to reducing poverty, promoting respect for human rights and democracy, and for the conservation of natural resources.

President Ali also applauded support for Guyana’s diplomatic presence in Switzerland.

“I wish to assure you of the full support of the Government of Guyana in the discharge of your duties as non-resident ambassador of the Swiss Federal Council to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. As you embark on this new assignment, I express my best wishes to you for a productive and successful tenure of duty.”

Best wishes and continued good health were also conveyed to the President of Switzerland, His Excellency

Guy Parmelin.

On the other hand, the newly accredited Ambassador, Dr Sprecher said that the Swiss Government is following the development of Guyana with “great interest” and that he has been charged to further enhance the excellent relations between the governments and their citizens.

“Indeed, the current global challenges show once again how important cooperation at the international level is. In that sense, I can assure you that Switzerland intends to remain a close and reliable partner of Guyana, both on the level of our bilateral relations as well as in undertakings of multilateral cooperation,” he added.

Ambassador Sprecher will also be accredited to Caricom as the Swiss representative to the Caribbean Community.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Family structures O

ver the last four decades, developing Caribbean countries have been struggling to maintain law and order within their respective territories, while simultaneously causing a reduction in the increasing levels of crime and criminality in their societies, which pose the most serious threat to their forward movement and the notion of national security.

While these countries have all approached the subject matter differently, most of them have failed to address the root causes of crime and criminality, so much so that their judicial systems have become ineffective and slothful in the dispensation of justice.

This is not as a result of poor management on the part of the judiciary, or the lack of adequate resources in the form of Magistrates or lawyers, but can be directly attributed to a breakdown in the traditional family structures within our societies; the changing socioeconomic, domestic and regional environment; the shifting of gender roles; the emergence of new, complex gender identities; and the changing dynamics of a world now driven by newer forms of information and communication technologies.

While all of the abovementioned factors are important to any discussion on solving the proliferation of crime within our regional economies, many researchers and policy makers underestimate the role of males and boys in growth and sustenance of the Region’s crime problem.

The truth is, many Caribbean men and boys are being poorly socialised, and are many times not given enough attention during their early years of development at home, in school, and within the wider society.

At an early age, boys within developing countries are told that they must be tough, and the burden to provide for their families still falls on their shoulders, despite the shifting gender roles and the advances made in gender equality. They are socialised to hide their weaknesses and sensitivities, and to shun anything that even slightly appears feminine.

We must re-educate our boys, therefore, and change how they perceive the importance of an education, despite the economic hardships and feminisation of this tool by the societies in which they dwell.

A renowned Jamaican educator, Wayne Campbell, offers a number of solutions for saving our boys and reducing their involvement in crime, which could see them moving from not populating jails, but universities and think-tanks that arrive at solutions for male empowerment and the economic advancement of the entire family as a unit.

Campbell asserts that “there is also the need to urgently recast our current gender policy. One way of doing so is to incorporate more men in the discourse to shape our national gender policy. It’s ludicrous to think that women only, or a gender board dominated by women, can advocate the needs of our boys and men. We also need to examine the possibility of creating so-called ‘boy-friendly’ curricula, assessment and pedagogical practices. We now know that boys learn differently than girls, and therefore we should use this knowledge to refashion teaching methodologies that speak to both sexes in the classroom.”

In Guyana, there is a need to view the issue of underperformance and underachievement with a sense of urgency and dispatch. If not, we are going to continue to witness the spread of a deviant strand of hypermasculinity sweeping across the education system. This reconstruction of masculinity is already manifesting itself in all our schools.

Our boys have become more violent in recent years, even to the point of physically abusing female teachers.

Male teachers, over the years, have endured physical attacks; however, a few years ago, female teachers were assaulted. This should have been viewed as a wake-up call in regard to the urgent need to rescue our boys.

Members of the Sarawak Restaurant at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday were all ready to participate in the celebrity cook-off organised by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in observance of International Men’s Day

Contestants for PNC Leadership should address Burnham and party taking CIA money Dear Editor, The conflict between Forbes Burnham and Bob Marley has always been intriguing. I avoided it over fifteen years ago when I wrote an essay on Burnham and assorted images for a website that I then managed, as he was inaccessible online.

It is something, however, that warrants analysis by those who promote Burnham’s legacy.

Bob Marley was a Rasta.

Burnham, in contrast, may have at best sympathised with the Rastafarians, and implied that if he were removed from office, another Rasta would take his place. But Burnham was no Rasta. Recent release of US Government records underscores this, which incidentally was made clear

by Bob Marley’s most trenchant anti-capitalist song, “Rat Race.” In it, the musician passionately tells us: “I’m singin’/When the cat’s away/The mice will play/Political violence fill ya city, yeah!/Don’t involve Rasta in your say say/I’m saying/Rasta don’t work for no CIA.” (See Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Rastaman Vibration,” 1976).

While Marley and his wife, Rita, wrote and

prompted these lyrics and their obvious opposition to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Burnham and the PNC were busy denying that he was being paid by this same CIA —a primary instrument of American capitalism permeated overseas.

In February of 1977, after the New York Times (NYT) exposed Mr. Burnham’s and the PNC’s servitude status to foreign entities, the then unlawful Government’s reported response was as follows: “Reports have appeared in sections of certain newspapers in the United States, notably The New York Times, in which Prime Minister of Guyana Forbes Burnham is named among other world leaders as being a recipient of Central Intelligence Agency payments,” the statement said.

“These reports are untrue” (See “Guyana Leader Denies Receiving Secret Payments from the CIA,” NYT, 1977).

Of course, Burnham and the PNC lied to the public, which had been fed stories of Burnham the nationalist and Burnham the supporter of African liberation movements.

Burnham was credit-

ed for many achievements for which he never had the lawful authority to participate in or promote in the first place. With Burnham, the PNC may be historically the least of all nationalist parties in the state’s independent life. This is obvious now with conclusive evidence that Burnham and the PNC not only received CIA funding, but asked for it. (See US Government documents now available, such as the “Memorandum for the 303 Committee, Washington, May 23, 1969,” (Subject: “Proposal for Support to the People’s National Congress Party of Guyana”).

For example, one reads, “In February 1969 Burnham asked…for a subsidy of $10,000 a month for two years to help him establish the PNC on a permanent basis…Burnham indicated he would use this subsidy to maintain a small corps of paid PNC organizers, to keep open essential sections of the central party office, and to continue party information activities as needed.

“After considering Burnham’s request, the Ambassador…concluded that a subsidy was desirable and $5,000 per month

for two years would adequately meet the PNC’s requirements….”

Contestants for leadership of Congress Place should address this master-and-servant union in which Burnham/the PNC were servants, accepting foreign/CIA money to use against Guyanese natives.

If they continue to elude it, as appears to be their intention, they will contribute to the rapid pace by which Burnham’s penchant for doublespeak is becoming famous.

Here is Burnham in September 1972, for example, during an interview in which he rejected capitalism when asked how Guyana became a “Cooperative” Republic, and whether it had any relation to how blacks have lived (see “A Conversation with Forbes Burnham” in the “Black Scholar,” Vol 4. No. 5, September 1973); “Well, we reject the capitalist system! For us it has only meant domination and exploitation….” This is from a man speaking in 1972 who took the capitalists’ money as recently as the year before, in 1971.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

APNU/AFC Administration had no PPP/C never campaigned on confidence in our local audit agencies promise that Public Servants would receive 50% salary increase Dear Editor, Following the announcement of salary increases for Public Servants, made by the Minister of Finance yesterday afternoon, we saw the Opposition lashing out on social media, criticising the 7% which was announced.

However, it was shocking to see that, after more than a year, many of those from the Opposition continue to spread lies on their social media platforms regarding the promises made by the PPP/C Government. The fact of the matter is that the PPP/C never campaigned on the promise that Public Servants would receive 50% salary increase. In fact, the PPP/C’s manifesto, which is easily accessible to everyone, would prove that such increase was never promised by the Government.

This is all public knowledge, and it’s shameful that the Opposition would try to use such a false narrative for political gains. However, I believe such should be expected from people of their calibre. Dishonesty is all they know.

Editor, even though we know that the APNU+AFC

has been focused heavily on derailing the Government in every possible way, it is surprising to me that the Deputy Speaker, Lennox Shuman, would also play into this false narrative to paint the Government in a bad light. I say this because I always thought of him as a man of integrity, and one that is for the people.

As a member of the Opposition, one would expect him to be critical of the Government whenever necessary, but how can he criticise the Government for something that it did not do?

It makes no sense. Shuman was one of the first persons to use the photoshopped image of a supposed “PPP/C campaign poster” promising 50% increase to Public Servants, and questioning how come only 7% was announced. When the dishonesty was challenged by supporters of the Government, he quickly deleted the Facebook post.

As I pen this letter, I take note of the fact that Kaieteur News also repeated the same lie with the 50% salary-increase “promise” in their November 19th publication.

I wish to make it clear to all those who may be unaware: the image that is circulating on social media with the PPP/C’s campaign poster is photoshopped. In fact, people should question how come there is only that one image of the poster being shared everywhere.

If the PPP/C did campaign on such a promise using posters, as the Opposition claims, why is there not a second image anywhere of the very poster?

The image being circulated is the only one that was doctored by the APNU+AFC in another attempt to discredit the governing party by creating false expectations that are unable to be met. Any right-thinking individual would see that the only image being shared is one with a very specific background, and from a very specific angle.

I challenge anyone, even the fiercest PPP/C critic, to dispute this by providing a second image of the very poster. It is not possible, because the poster never existed in the first place.

Thank you, Thomas Cole

Dear Editor, The upfront costs to be audited for the company amount to some US$460 million. ExxonMobil has said that this sum was spent on a range of activities and interventions, which led to the world-class Liza discovery.

This has been an issue of heated discussion among various stakeholders in Guyana, some of whom, in the previous APNU/AFC Administration, have expressed concern that the local agencies do not yet have the capacity to perform such audits.

It is distasteful to see criticisms coming from the same APNU/AFC Opposition who had no confidence in our own local agencies to get these audits done. one should see these criticisms of our Government as self-serving, given the fact that this Government has been transparent about why it has not yet contracted an auditor.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government would complete these audits of costs claimed by ExxonMobil for its operations, and assures that Guyana’s inter-

Mr Shuman owes our nation an apology Dear Editor, Circulating on Facebook is a posting that supposedly came from Mr Lennox Shuman. This posting suggests that the PPP/C Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had made to public servants an offer of a 50% pay hike.

While the Parliamentarian did not confirm or deny the posting, I would still press forward with the following question.

I would like Mr Shuman to show us where the Vice President made such an offer? Was it in a private or public forum, and under what circumstances was that statement made? Or was it in one of the VP’s party manifesto documents?

Now, if Shuman cannot give a straightforward answer, then my advice to him is to put an end to this charade of his, and issue a public apology. Why make posturing like this without any supporting evidence to prove it? There must be factual evidence to support your case.

Then we must analyse the Parliamentarian’s reason for making such a posting. Is it to conjure the image, or send the message, that he is a “concerned” politician, and his concern for the people has prompted him to remind the PPP/C of its missteps? What is the message Shuman wants to share?

This “soon to vacate his post” Parliamentarian must stand up and account for himself regarding what was his real motive for issuing that posting. Was it a move to shore up his image as a “concerned politician”? Or, as they put it, holding the Government accountable?

Otherwise, Shuman’s missive was meant to stir up mischief, which does not augur well for him or his party.

Then it behooves me to believe that there must be some other motive involved here.

But whether Dr Jagdeo may or may not have issued that statement, the point is no sector - public or private - can make a 50% increase in wages and salaries outside of the scale of normal wage increases. It is simply an unreal and idiotic statement to make, and Dr Jagdeo is none of those. Where in the civilised world, developed or developing, could a Government make such an offer, especially to a non-productive sector?

Are you telling me that housing, education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture - just to name a few must be sacrificed for Public Servants? Is this the real-life scenario Shuman is putting up? I hope the misguided Parliamentarian is not giving that impression. If he is, then he needs to do some introspection.

You see, with the coming of oil, it is the mistaken view of some in society that Guyana should become a welfare state, if not a spendthrift state, overnight - just doling out money hither, thither and yon. Well, this is neither the purpose, cause, nor outlook of a small developing state such as ours. Working one’s way up into a healthy, robust economy takes into consideration careful planning and preparation, and the proper execution of those plans.

In this regard, all sectors - I repeat, all sectors - must get the proper treatment it rightly deserves.

Should we pump money into health or agriculture at the expense of infrastructure, and my answer to you is, “Certainly not!” Real development means that all sectors must be given simultaneous sustainable financing at a pace conducive to modern development.

Conversely, a lopsided approach to development would certainly bring us into ruin, as has plagued many countries in the developing world.

Guyana could ill afford such pitfalls.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

ests would be protected and Government would prevent ExxonMobil from recovering inflated or unreasonable costs.

One must not forget that when the PPP/C Government assumed office in 2020, it took over the shepherding of an audit of ExxonMobil’s pre-contract and other pre-2017 costs.

The audit was being conducted by the UK firm IHS Markit, which was hired by the previous administration four years after oil was first discovered offshore. These cost recovery audits were left outstanding for years.

It is disappointing that the previous APNU/AFC Administration did not develop its capacity to conduct cost recovery audits, nor did it make haste to contract a firm to conduct those audits, while setting the stage for local audit firms to benefit from involvement in cost recovery audits, and build the capacity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to conduct its own cost audits for the oil sector.

Unlike the previous APNU/ AFC Administration, our Government has made it clear that the PPP/C Government’s intention

is to have local people involved in these audits.

This Government is seeking to assemble the best group of Guyanese in the sector, those who demonstrate strong auditing capabilities in these areas. We were all calling for local content, hence it is imperative and important for our local firms to participate in these audits in the public’s calls for Expressions of Interest, and collaborate with a reputable international firm for the audit of ExxonMobil’s post-2017 costs.

Our Government recognises that strong local-content achievement is important to the Guyanese people, and its efforts to gather capable local auditors would give effect to that in a practical way. It would also allow them access to considerable revenues from audit fees.

Dr. Jagdeo and the Government of Guyana intend to build the capacity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to conduct its own cost audits for the oil sector, and to address these issues more comprehensively in the future.

Sincerely, David Adams

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Adding fractions with like denominators

L

ike denominators are exactly the same. For example, 1/5 and 3/5 have like denominators.

But 1/5 and 1/6 do not have like denominators.

To add fractions with like denominators, just add the numerators.

Place the total over the denominator.

Example: Add 1/5 + 3/5 + 4/5 Step 1: Add 1 + 3 + 4 = 8 Step 2: Place the total over the like denominator. 8/5 You may notice your total is an improper fraction. But you have learnt how to change that into a mixed number if you need to.

Remember: Like denominators are the same, and are sometimes called common denominators.

volcano. Use strength, scissors, or your fingers to get plastic wrap off as best as you can. You can let your adult supervisor help you with getting the golf ball out. May want to try using a knife for this part.

Go outside and use your pipette to do a squirt of vinegar into your icy volcano and see what happens!

Materials:

A bowl Golf ball Plastic wrap Water Baking soda Food colouring (optional) Freezer Knife (adult handling required) Vinegar Pipette

Instructions:

How it works:

Put golf ball in an empty bowl.

Drape plastic wrap over golf ball and bowl so that the golf ball is covered and plastic wrap comes out over the sides of the bowl.

Make a mixture of water and baking soda that will fill up the rest of your bowl.

The mixture is 2/3 water, 1/3 baking soda.

You can also add three drops of your favourite food colouring. This mixture will sit on top of the plastic wrap. You want to make sure the mixture covers the golf ball completely.

Put bowl in freezer.

Once frozen, let thaw a little. Then, flip over bowl and take out your icy

In science, when you have an acid and a base together, they can erupt in your face. The baking soda in the mixture was the base, and the vinegar is an acid. So, when mixed together they have a chemical reaction and release carbon dioxide.

Cool! Really Cool!

Extra Experiments:

Try different sized bowls, does the size affect the eruption?

Try different shaped bowls, does the shape affect the eruption?

Don’t freeze the mixture. Just add the vinegar directly to the mixture while it’s still in the bowl. How does the reaction change? Was it faster? Slower? The same speed? (scienceisfun.org)

Exercises: Add fractions

1) 4/2+ 1/6

4) 6/2 + 9/3

2) 1/7 + 8/8

5) 5/7 + 3/7

3) 4/5+ 1/2

6) 7/14+ 1/7

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7% public servants’ salary increase

Guyanese already benefited from over $20B in relief measures – Min Indar – Budget 2022 to have more benefits, increases must be incremental – Min Walrond

R

esponding to criticisms that the seven per cent retroactive salary increase announced for public servants is insignificant, Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar has pointed out that citizens have benefitted from over $20 billion in relief measures – including direct cash payments – since the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration assumed office in August 2020.

In addition to the salary increase, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Thursday also announced a $400 million one-off payment for frontline healthcare workers.

But many in the Opposition camp were quick to disparage the announcements, saying that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had promised a 50 per cent salary increase for public sector workers – an allegation which many Ministers have since denounced. A perusal of the PPP’s 2020 manifesto would indicate that there was no promise to facilitate an increase of that nature.

Nevertheless, Minister Indar pointed out that Guyanese have already benefitted from the $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant which represented $7.5 billion; the $1 billion pay out to frontline healthcare workers; the one-off payment of $25,000 to public servants last Christmas; the increase in old-age pension from $20,500 to $25,000 which amounts to $4 billion a year; the increase in public assistance from $9000 to $12,000 which equates to

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond

$500 million a year; the oneoff $25,000 cash grant to all old-age pensioners and persons with disabilities and on public assistance equating to $2.2 billion; the $200 million in electricity credit to low-income households; and the $19,000 per child vouchers and cash grants, among others.

“If you add up all of those things, it’s about $21.4 billion just in those areas there from the time we started Government to now…we have been putting monies into the public sector, into pensioners, into children, you name it,” Indar said.

And this does not include the $7.6 billion in cash relief which is currently being distributed to thousands of farmers and households that were affected during the unprecedented floods in MayJune this year, the Public Works Minister pointed out.

He also made reference to the removal of the burdensome taxes imposed by the previous Administration, the reversal of increases of

various fees, and the restoration of subsidies – all actions taken by the PPP/C Government to put more money back into the hands of the citizens.

Weighing in on the increasing cost of living, Minister Indar reiterated that this is something the Government cannot control since it is a global problem brought on by the pandemic – but he indicated that the current Administration is doing everything it can to provide relief to citizens.

“This is not a problem we in Guyana can fix, it’s global phenomenon that every country is facing…when the Opposition talk about cost of living, they need to be honest about the entire scenario,” he contended.

Incremental Increases

Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond also weighed in on reports that were critical of the 7 per cent retroactive hike for public servants. She explained that this year’s increase is not the end of benefits for public servants, since citizens can look forward to more exciting measures in Budget 2022.

“This is just one of the many measures of putting cash into peoples’ hands.

Next year’s budget also, we’re going to see other kinds of incentives. I will not jump the gun, I will leave the surprise for the Minister of Finance…,” the Tourism Minister revealed.

She further posited that Budget 2022 will show that the PPP/C Government has no intention of slowing down

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar

when it comes to uplifting the lives of the citizenry.

“We are not stopping, we’re going to continue to be

a Government for Guyana, for all Guyanese…we care about bread-and-butter issues and we are going to continue to put our money where our mouth is,” Walrond affirmed.

Moreover, the Minister contended that a seven per cent retroactive increase translates to almost a full month’s salary for a public servant earning $80,000.

“I know it’s going to go a far way to…having extra money to spend at Christmas time. It helps to boost the morale of these people who have been working all year,” she expressed, also referring to healthcare workers who will be getting $400 million in relief.

Minister Walrond noted too that Guyanese have benefitted tremendously amid a pandemic when in other countries, the situation is quite the opposite for those citizens.

“This is in the midst of a COVID pandemic where most economies are contracting…just look at our neighbours, they are laying off teachers and public servants, they just can’t afford to keep them and we have, as a Government, kept our public servants…laid nobody off…In addition, we’re saying you can get an increase…it’s pretty significant when you look at the global picture,” she expressed.

Nigerian gets 10 years on fraud conviction

N

igerian national, Uche Raymond Okoye also known as “Uche Parker”, who is currently facing several other fraud charges before the Magistrates’ Courts, was on Friday sentenced on ten of those charges.

He was found guilty on November 3, 2021, on ten counts of obtaining money by false pretence committed on a 65-year-old woman.

On Friday, during the sentencing hearing before Magistrate Anette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, he was sentenced to imprisonment for one year on each of the ten charges.

During a plea in mitiga-

tion, Uche agreed to repay the victim some of the money he defrauded her. There are other matters still being prosecuted against him by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Several ongoing romance package scams and pyramid schemes are reportedly being operated in Guyana by Nigerian nationals who are in Guyana illegally; where victims are lured by persons they meet online who influence them to part with their cash.

This organised crime is being investigated by the Special Organised Crime Unit and citizens of Guyana are encouraged not to send money to persons they meet

Uche Raymond Okoye

online.

The matter was prosecuted by Attorney-at-Law Tuanna Hardy from the Special Organised Crime Unit and the accused was represented by Attorney-atLaw Melvin Duke.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Coen Jackson wins $5M libel case against Ruel Johnson

F

ormer Bishops’ High School teacher Coen Jackson has been awarded $5 million in damages by Justice Navindra Singh after he found that Jackson was defamed by several statements made by writer Ruel Johnson.

In a ruling rendered on Friday, Justice Singh said that Johnson, via his Facebook page, had published several statements in which, among other things, he referred to Jackson as a “pedophile”. With Johnson failing to provide the court with evidence to prove this, Justice Singh ruled that Jackson was defamed, and ordered Johnson to pay Jackson $5M in damages and $1M as costs.

On March 5, 2019, Jackson, through his lawyers Nigel Hughes and Savannah Barnwell, had filed a Statement of Claim in which he asserted that the posts made by Johnson were false and derogatory.

Coen Jackson

Jackson claimed that the statements have irrevocably damaged his reputation, and have subjected him to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, and embarrassment.

Having examined the definition of pedophile and the content of the statements, Justice Singh found them to be defamatory.

He held that the pub-

lications clearly attacked Jackson’s character by labelling him “as a pedophile who actively pursued children to satisfy this sexual perversion, which is criminal conduct”.

Johnson had pleaded the defence of fair comment.

However, Justice Singh said that this defence was not available to Johnson, who failed to produce an iota of evidence to prove that Jackson is a “pedophile”, or that he was dismissed from his job for any reason, or at all.

Justice Singh held that the defamatory statements would tend to lower Jackson’s standing in society in the estimation of right-thinking persons.

In assessing the quantum of damages to be awarded, the Judge considered that the libel attacked Jackson’s integrity and professional reputation, and was bound to cause him distress, hurt, and humiliation.

Mo’ money, Mo’ money…

T

Ruel Johnson

The Judge also gave thought to how the publications were disseminated - via Johnson’s Facebook page, which at the time had about 5000 followers. He noted that it is a well-established and accepted fact that materials published on the Internet are available for eternity.

TURN TO PAGE 14

…for Public Servants he Government has announced its promised salary increase for Public Servants ­ 7% - retroactive to the beginning of the year. Now, the minimum salary for Public Servants – usually cleaners etc., is $70,000 monthly, so this means that even they’ll be taking home a lump sum of almost $60,000 extra for Christmas. And for the average Public Servant who makes over double that amount – remember, the increase is calculated at the gross pay! – the windfall is also doubled!!

But, from the reaction of the Union – the GPSU you’d think the Government just slashed salaries by 7%!!

They’ve called for Public Servants to “take industrial action” immediately. “The GPSU calls on all Public Servants to work to rule and to effectively convey to the Government their rejection with the way they are being abused by them”! You got that right!! “abused”! Well, your Eyewitness hopes this newspaper would abuse him and give him a 7% ‘retro’ for the year!!

But, you know what? In the Private Sector, raises can be justified only by productivity increases - lest businesses price their products out of the market. Do you think the Government DARES ask Public Servants to INCREASE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY?? So, this threat of “work to rule” ain’t raising no ante to the Government. In fact, from all the complaints made by those members of the public who deal with “public servants”, this might actually be an IMPROVEMENT on their productivity!! Your Eyewitness can just hear the Public Service Minister saying, “Bring it on, Patrick!!”

In fact, it’s this proclivity of “Public Servants” (an oxymoron, if there ever was one!!) not to perform their duties as specified by their classification that has caused Governments – both the PPP and the PNC coalition - to bring in all those contracted workers into the Public Service!! And in case you forgot, the PNC brought in proportionally more contract workers that the PPP!! And let’s not justify using salary increases to improve Public Servants’ productivity; it didn’t work for Ministers after their 50% increase in 2015, nor for the Public Servants after their “substantial” increases promised by the coalition. For instance, between 2015 and 2019, the PNC coalition raised minimum Public Servants’ salaries from $40,000 to $70,000. Did anyone, dear reader, notice any improvement in their “service” to you?

To your Eyewitness’s bemusement, the GTU weighed in on the salary increase issue, and demanded an equivalent to the “frontline workers’ payout” the Government announced for frontline Health Care workers. Yes…the same union that encouraged their members NOT to be vaccinated and NOT to turn up for work when the Ministry of Education opened our schools!!

So, what should the Government do?? As that old time crooner advised: “You can’t please everybody, so you might as well please yourself!!” …from oil Okay…so, finally, the Govt assured the critics that it’ll be auditing the US$9B expenses claimed by Exxon to date for the development and raising of the oil under our Atlantic.

Now, up to 75% of the expenses would’ve been subtracted from the gross revenues generated from the sale of oil to leave the profit that’s shared 50-50 with us. Let’s ignore the 2% royalty for now. That is, US$6.75 billion would’ve been deducted from revenues to give us the profits we received to date.

So, say expenses were overclaimed by a whopping $1B, then 75% of $8B should’ve been deducted – US$6B. So, after the audit, we would’ve received half of US$.75B - US$387.5M – which is nothing to sneeze at!! But it all depends on proving Exxon and its partners were padding their bills. Your Eyewitness doesn’t think this is unlikely.

Even though after the abuse uncovered with Enron, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed with greater scrutiny and penalties, the practice continues.

Let the audit begin!! …for imported food With the supply-chain snafus precipitated by COVID-19, importers have to move heaven and earth to get goods into Guyana. And that costs money!!

Shouldn’t we do our part and ease up on the foreign foods?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

International Men’s Day

PM encourages men to be abreast with modern society; share responsibility – Ministry launches “shared responsibility” campaign

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips

I

n recognition of International Men’s Day 2021, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Friday hosted a panel discussion called “EngageMENt” at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, which saw a number of men from all facets of society in attendance.

The panel discussions featured topics such as Masculinity, Expectations and Needs, Shared Responsibility, and Men’s Health and Well-Being and was themed “Better Relations Between Men and Women”.

The event also saw various exhibition booths set up where the men were able to engage with and receive information from various institutions.

While giving remarks at

the event, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips called on men to become more in tune with the idea of shared responsibilities in the family.

He also charged the gathering of men to keep abreast with the changes of modern society and educate themselves on gender-based violence.

This, he noted, will help in addressing the issue of gender-based violence in our society.

“What is important is that as men, we cannot allow the world to change and not keep abreast of the changes.”

“Something very important happened many years ago. When we decided that education for all – male and female – must be compulsory. Education was made

compulsory for males and females in Guyana. That caused a change, a change that many men have not been able to keep abreast with,” he further highlighted.

Phillips also called for men to become more in tune with the idea of shared responsibilities in the family since this will assist in addressing the issue of gender-based violence in our society.

“Shared responsibility will now lead to us examining many other issues.

And a big one in our society remains gender-based violence. And as men, today, we have to educate ourselves on gender-based violence because the first form of prevention of gender-based violence is education,” he explained.

The second, he noted, is that the voices of men need to be added to the campaign against gender-based violence.

“We need to have more men speaking. Join the campaign against gender-based violence,” Prime Minister Phillips encouraged.

He indicated that the whole concept of shared responsibility is very important in the modern home.

“This is no longer the 1950s, 1960s. This is the year 2021. Shared responsibility is perhaps the most important or perhaps the guiding principle for suc-

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

cess in any home in Guyana and in any developing country, any developed country,” the Prime Minister posited.

Becoming educated

In addition to this, the Prime Minister spoke of the fact that men were socialised and taught to be the protector and provider, while the woman’s role is to be the caretakers of the home.

“That is linked to our upbringing which was focused on our masculinity,” he highlighted.

However, he reminded that the reality of today’s world, after many years of allowing women to be educated, is a world where

women are contributing to the home, not only by providing the stability and influence in the background and by extension, emotional stability, but they are also providing financial stability.

To this end, he stated that “men who are left behind, are generally men who find difficulty in accepting this change in the world and in our society.

And therefore, the concept of shared responsibility.”

In her remarks, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud said that her Ministry will promote the concept of shared responsibility.

“It’s reassuring that a

lot of men are stepping into this ambit of shared responsibility, but we do need to have a discussion around that, as we also do about the expectations of men….

Today I do have the pleasure of launching a campaign around shared responsibility where men will understand what we mean by shared responsibility and where they can participate in the responsibilities that are traditionally seen as female.”

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, also attended the event.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 5 being used as transshipment point for drug trafficking – Police Commander says

R

egion Five (MahaicaBerbice) Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, has expressed concern that Region Five is being used as a transshipment point for drug traffickers.

The Commander has said that, to date, a total of 62.9 kilograms of marijuana has been intercepted in Region Five, compared to more than 15,000 kilograms unearthed in bordering Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Several large cannabis fields have also been destroyed in Region Six communities, mostly in the Berbice River.

On Monday last, Police in Region Six unearthed some 450lbs of dried ganja and 120,000 cannabis plants, valued at $115 million, at Fort Nassau on the west bank of the Berbice

River, approximately 88 kilometres upstream from New Amsterdam. A few days later, some 500,000 cannabis plants and 1000 pounds of dried ganja were again unearthed in the Berbice River. The net worth of that bust has been estimated at $2 billion.

Speaking at the launch of the Region Five Police Christmas campaign, Commander Simon admitted that much of the cannabis cultivated in Region Six is shipped through his Region. He said: “I think everyone will agree with me that Region Five doesn’t cultivate cannabis, and if it does, it is not on a large scale - for the purpose of exporting or commercial activity; but we are a transshipment point for those persons who are planting in the

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

Berbice River and (selling) to Georgetown.”

In his opinion, the 62.9 kilograms of ganja seized in Region Five is a small

amount of what is being transported out of the Berbice River. “But the fact that we were able to seize some is good,” he added.

Region Six Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, speaking at a similar event in Region Six, explained that not only cannabis was seized in the region, but cocaine as well.

He added that, in many of the eradication exercises conducted by the Police in Region Six, firearms have been seized as well. Apart from the large amounts of ganja discovered, Superintendent Ramlakhan explained, there have been frequent cocaine busts in Region Six. “We have been policing riverine areas, and we have been able to wreak havoc with many intercep-

Region Six Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan

tions, which resulted in the huge figures of hundreds of thousands of plants,” he explained.

He pointed out that Berbice riverine communi-

ties are very sensitive areas, but assured that his division would continue to peruse and destroy fields of illegal plants being cultivated.

“What we are trying to do is to eliminate the amount of drugs coming into the region, which filters down to the drug pushers in our communities. I say to my officers that they must be out there daily, going after the ‘pusher-men’, for they are responsible for the distraction of our youths,” Commander Ramlakhan revealed.

He pointed out that a very large number of young persons have been arrested and placed before the courts for possession of narcotics.

There have been 20 persons placed before the courts, with several having already been convicted for the possession of narcotics.

Family demands justice over murder of Essequibo woman “My mother was everything for us” – daughter

F

ifty-two-year-old Indira Lall of Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) died on Monday night, and a postmortem conducted on her body has given her cause of death as manual strangulation.

The woman’s two children – Reshma and Vishal – are searching for answers, and demanding justice for their mother, who had worked as a security officer for some ten years, being a single mother and the breadwinner of the family.

At around 22:50h on

November 15, the aggrieved daughter, Reshma, recalled hearing a taxi honking its horn outside their house.

Upon peeping through the window, the taxi driver informed that her mother, Indira, was unwell. When Reshma went to the vehicle, she discovered that her mother was motionless.

“The man said, ‘Come quick!’ that ‘You mother not feeling good’, and that ‘She want go to the hospital.’ I didn’t tek two minutes to reach downstairs, but when I gone downstairs, I open the car door, she was in the

front seat, when I open the car door, she was there, lifeless. Froth did coming out her mouth and her nose,” Reshma recalled.

Reshma, who has a child of her own, said she tried to wake up her mother, but there was no response. She then asked the taxi driver to take them to the hospital, but he reportedly refused, saying that his car light was not working.

As such, the daughter made alternative arrangements to take her mother to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

“I don’t know what really happen, what they kill my mother for. My mother was everything for us; she was the breadwinner in our family, she was a mother and father to us, she gone good to work and come back dead, and it’s really hard for us, really hard…cause I can’t imagine my mother going to work and come back dead, and you don’t know what happened to her,” Reshma expressed.

The woman’s son, Vishal, said he had last spoken with his mother at around 19:00h on the day in question, and

Murdered: Security Officer Indira Lall

everything had seemed normal. He is pleading for a proper investigation to be conducted, and that whoever is responsible for his mother’s death be made to face the full brunt of the law.

Guyana Times was told that the taxi driver is known to the family, since he would often transport the late Indira Lall home from work whenever she is on the night shift. Police have since confirmed that the taxi driver is currently in custody, and he is assisting with the investigations.

11 3 more unvaccinated persons succumb to COVID, death toll now 971 NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– 94 new cases detected in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 19, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

94

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

Wear a face mask.

60 1818

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

13

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,662

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,522

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

37,184

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

34,322

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

392,512

FULLY IMMUNISED

263,455

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

T

he country’s coronavirus death toll moved to 971 on Friday after the Health Ministry reported that three more unvaccinated persons succumbed to the virus.

The Ministry listed the latest fatalities as a 27-yearold male from Region Four; a 53-year-old female from Region Three and a 66-year-old female from Region Four. They all died on November 19 while seeking medical care.

However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 94 new cases of the virus were detected, taking the total positives to 37,184.

In addition, 13 persons are being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 60 in institutional isolation, 1818 in home isolation, and four in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 34,322.

Some 378,786 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

971

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1649

REGION 2

1520

REGION 3

5029

REGION 4

17,535

REGION 5

1370

REGION 6

3021

REGION 7

1776

REGION 8

619

REGION 9

2466

REGION 10

2199

Regionally, a breakdown showed two new cases were recorded in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 19 in Region Three (Essequibo

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

Islands-West Demerara); 34 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 11 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne);

three in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); two in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); six in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 13 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini).

When asked if the health sector has adequate personal protective equipment for frontline workers, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony assured, “We do have an adequate supply of PPEs and by that, we mean N95 masks, hair covers, shoe covers, gowns. We do have adequate supplies of all of these and we have been distributing it to our health facilities across the country.”

This week, it was revealed that all ports of entry are now opened to facilitate travel into and out of Guyana, inclusive of flights between neighbouring Brazil. Before any person is allowed to enter Guyana, whether by land or sea, that person shall present to the relevant authorities a negative Molecular PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival, along with proof of vaccination.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immedi-

ately or visit www.health.gov. gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

Data from the World Health Organisation shows that there are over 254 million confirmed cases of the disease globally, with over 5.1 million reported deaths. The Americas account for 95 million cases and over 2.3 million deaths.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice tractor operators refute reports of labour shortage

...say Private Sector needs to offer benefits

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

Tractor operator Ravin Douglas

ome Berbice businessmen have been complaining that they are not finding locals who are willing to work, even though the remuneration package is attractive, but several labourers have come forward to refute these allegations by contending that the Private Sector needs to offer employees more than just a salary.

During a meeting with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh earlier this month, representatives of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) raised the issue of not finding local labourers, and consequently having to resort to hiring expats. A large percentage of that Chamber’s membership are farmers.

S

President of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich

However, those engaged in retail, agro-processing, manufacturing and construction draw a large percentage of their workforce from residents of the area from Number 43 Village in Upper Central Corentyne to Number One Village on the Lower Corentyne. Despite that wide range, Chamber members are complaining of a lack of both skilled and un-

skilled labour.

During the meeting with Dr Ashni Singh, President of the Guyana Rice Producers Association, Leaka Rambrich, himself a rice farmer, said tractor operators are offered $6,000 a day, while combine operators are offered $10,000.

This publication spoke with several tractor operators, who reported that they receive between $4,500 and $5,000 a day, while combine operators say they get some $8,000 a day. Because they fear being victimised, most of the persons who spoke with this media house requested that their identities remain anonymous.

Some of the more qualified operators explained that they prefer to work in the fishing sector, since the rice industry is seasonal.

Others say they are leaving the Private Sector and seeking Government jobs, because of the lack of security and other benefits offered

in the Private Sector. They point out that, as operators, they have to pay their own National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, and if they do not, they have no financial support if injured in the backdam.

Among the operators this publication spoke with was Ravin Douglas, who works with Rambrich. He explained that after working in his father’s rice field as a heavy-duty machine operator, he left to work with the Skeldon Sugar Estate, but after it was closed in 2017, he found himself jobless, and experienced many challenges in finding a new and steady source of income. He worked periodically during harvesting time, and during

land preparation time in the rice industry. Over the past three weeks, he has been working for Rambrich.

“The rice farmers used to pay $4,000, and now they paying $5,000. Some pay combine operators $7,000 and some pay $8,000,” he said, admitting that wages have increased.

However, he is saying the wages are not as high as Rambrich has adverted.

Though there is an increase, Douglas alleges, NIS contributions are not being made by his employer. He also contended that there are no other benefits, such as health or life insurance.

Efforts to contact Rambrich for a comment on these claims proved futile.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jawalla to receive 1st time water access by December

C

entral Jawalla, situated just off the Kamarang river in the upper reaches of the Mazaruni river in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is scheduled to have access to potable water for the first time ever by December 2021.

This has been revealed

by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who visited the well-drilling site on Wednesday last. Croal, during his visit, pointed out that the project is being completed to the tune of $40 million, and could see Central Jawalla benefiting while the remainder of the village would benefit in the next phase.

“You would recognise that there is a challenge in the hinterland. Sometimes it’s not always a possibility to run pipe networks to every single household, because of the geographic location where some persons live”, the Minister ex-

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal inspecting works at the well

plained.

In this regard, the Housing and Water Minister noted, approximately 80 service connections will be installed, including to the school, Village Council, and Health Centre.

Unlike Kamarang, where numerous attempts at drill-

ing failed in the past because of uncertainty and rock formation, the Minister said this is the first such attempt at Jawalla, and he is confident it would be a success, since requisite preparatory works were carried out.

Prior to mobilisation of

20-year-old placed on $250,000 bail for allegedly raping minor

T

wenty-year-old Mark Fontanelle of Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, has been placed on bail in the sum of $250,000 on an alleged rape charge.

Having made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, his lawyer requested that he be placed on bail in a reasonable amount.

The young man was arrested on November 7 and charged for the rape of a child under 16 years old, contrary to Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.

During the virtual hearing, his attorney argued that her client works at his

Rape accused Mark Fontanelle

grandmother’s shop and plans to further his studies.

She also declared that the

young man has never had any previous brushes with the law, and is not a flight risk.

The accused was placed on $250,000 bail under the condition that he reports to the S/O in charge of the Kwakwani Police Station on the first Monday of every month until the determination of his matter. In addition, he is to have no contact with the victim.

He has also been ordered to lodge his passport and all travel documents with the Police, but, in this case, he was never the owner of a passport or any travel document.

The matter has been adjourned to December 17, 2021.

the drilling rig, a resistivity logging exercise was conducted to find the best-suited location for the well.

Managing Director of R. Kissoon Contracting Service, Rudranauth Roopdeo, disclosed that transporting the drilling rig to the community was the biggest challenge.

He explained that for communities such as Jawalla, the rig is disassembled and flown into the region, after which it traverses the river on a barge. He posited, however, that the well and the distribution network would be completed by December, as indicated by the Minister.

Community members will be employed for the laying of distribution pipelines, which would be done simultaneously with the drilling of the well. The project also caters for the erection of a trestle with storage tanks and the installation of a photovoltaic system.

Toshao of Jawalla, Verron Henry, has said villagers are anxiously await-

The water well being drilled

ing the completion of the project. She explained that, as things stand, people walk long distances to fetch water

from the Kamarang River, which has become polluted over the years due to mining activities.

14 NEWS $30M in prizes to be won in GTT’s Christmas campaign T SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has announced a massive campaign for the Christmas holiday season, where a whopping $30 million will be given back in cash and prizes to customers.

The official launch of the “Together We Celebrate” Christmas campaign was announced on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel, and will run until January 8, 2022.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Home and Fixed Solutions, Eshwar Thakurdin explained that there will be random daily and weekly drawings across the 10 administrative regions. New and exist-

Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson

Chief Executive Officer of Home and Fixed Solutions, Eshwar Thakurdin

Coen Jackson wins...

According to Justice Singh, the libel was very grave, given the fact that Jackson was employed as a high school teacher at the time.

He said that Johnson used the trial to repeat the defamatory words and to further cast aspersions on Jackson’s character, knowing very well that he had no evidence to substantiate the pleadings.

Justice Singh added that Johnson has not apologised or expressed regret over the publications.

Noting the need to re-establish and vindicate Jackson’s reputation, the Judge awarded him $5 mil-

lion as damages.

Johnson was further ordered to pay $1M as costs to Jackson. He has been given until January 7, 2022 to pay that sum. At the time of the publication, Johnson was employed as the Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Education.

He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Ganesh Hira.

Pending case

Jackson, who was charged in March 2018 for a sexual offence, is currently awaiting trial at the Demerara High Court. He is accused of engaging in sexual activity with

FROM PAGE 8

a girl under the age of 16 years. This is alleged to have occurred between December 2010 and May 2011. He has been released on $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of that trial.

The prosecution is contending that he engaged in sexual activity with one of his students at Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

The Education Ministry had launched an investigation into the allegations, and handed over the matter to the Police Force. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions later recommended that Jackson be charged.

ing customers can enter for a chance to win data, fibre, credit, minutes, smart televisions, shopping vouchers, MMG credit, and accessories.

“Each week, a randomly chosen customer will win between $50,000 to $500,000 in cash and prizes. Daily winners will win free credit, free data, grocery vouchers, and cash vouchers. I think this is exciting and it sets the tone for a great celebration we’re about to have this Christmas with GTT,” the CEO related.

For a person to enter the promotion, they can either pay any of the GTT bills in full and on time; top up $1000 or more; sign up for GTT Fibre; or purchase a new mobile phone or sim from any GTT store.

When a person signs up for Fibre50, Fibre100, or Fibre150, they are eligible for free installation and the first month free. With registration for MMG, a person can win a 50-inch smart TV. “All of our customers, new and existing, those on GTT mobile, GTT Fibre, DSL, landline or MMG are eligible for weekly prizes. Just continue to enjoy our services and you can win cash and prizes this Christmas.”

Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson said this is the company’s way of giving back to the community. He assured that the company

Media operatives showing off their winnings at the launch on Friday

is continuing its commitment to the robust network and reliability throughout the season and into the new year.

“Despite 2021 being one of the most challenging years in recent memory, Christmas gives us a reason to celebrate, a reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow together. It’s in our tradition to show appreciation to our fellow man, and especially our valued customers

by coming together to share gifts of our own.”

He added, “Christmas with GTT is worth celebration, not because of our gifts and what they symbolise but because we do it together. Together we celebrate this holiday and all that it stands for and we celebrate the work that we’ve been doing that will benefit our country now and in the future.”

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Serious crimes are committed predominantly by young people – Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

The 68 persons who were arrested for serious crimes

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC

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ata from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has shown that persons who are below the ages of 25 are the ones who have committed serious crimes for this year. As a result, this has become a matter of concern for the Police Force.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum recently reported that 68 persons under the age of 25 were arrested in relation to serious crimes thus far for the year. “These are young persons, some 17, 18, 19 years old, committing serious crimes, and we’re speaking about murders and other serious offences…and this is something that we need to address urgently. We cannot continue to lock up persons, hoping that this is going to be a solution to solve crime or prevent crime,” Crime Chief Blanhum contended.

According to him, more emphasis has to be placed on crime prevention. “Many of the young persons today…have been influenced by social media and hardened criminals to live a life

of crime, and we want to prevent that… We want to work with the youths, we want to devise programmes for them, to ensure that they do not come into contact with the criminal justice system,” he said.

Blanhum also made reference to the criminal reform programme announced

by President Dr Irfaan Ali, wherein persons who have committed various offences would be given opportunity to turn their lives around.

“The President has recently outlined a plan to improve the lives of some of these persons who have (been) committing criminal activities,” the Crime Chief added.

Moreover, he contended that persons need to improve their family lives in order to prevent social ills that can often lead to crime. “We cannot continue to blame law enforcement for a problem that should be solved at the level of the family. So, we’re pleading with family members to ensure that we work together to improve family lives,” Blanhum asserted.

Only last month, Attorney General and

criminal justice system in the first place. “…because, if those underlying factors are still

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, called for restorative justice to be applied in the judicial system. Nandlall said that, in Guyana, the justice system is accustomed to the brutal aspects of punishment as prescribed by law, but according to experts in the field, such an approach has proven ineffective, and it’s high time to try something different.

The Minister said an examination should be done to determine the root cause of why persons went into the

there, and he goes into prison and he goes back to that environment and those underlying factors that precip-

itated his conflict with the law are still there, there is a likelihood that he will return”, he said.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Lots of opportunities still available to create a niche for everybody” – Minister Croal …tells members of diaspora time is right to invest in Guyana

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ousing and Water Minister Collin Croal, during the launch of world-renowned real estate company RE/ MAX in Guyana on Tuesday evening, called on members of the Guyanese diaspora to make investments in their homeland as the country experiences an upsurge in economic growth.

“The investment that we see here and the launching signals also the efforts that we’re seeing, encouraging not only foreign investors or persons who have no familiarity with our country, but certainly to also encourage our members from the diaspora, our Guyanese family members, to come back home and also play a role in Guyana’s development,” Minister Croal encouraged.

“And so, certainly I want to encourage more investments like this type; more persons from the diaspora to, first of all, seek out the best possible information to which you can have an opportunity, and then equally collaborating too, because it’s not only about taking up a single space, but collaborating with partners locally, persons who will have the local knowledge,” the Minister said.

Croal also noted that persons looking to invest should not see it as a competitive venture or as their being another competitor, since, “…investment opportunities are abundantly

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

available. And so, quite interestingly, while persons come to Guyana to seek information as to how they could invest, and of course, no doubt, popularised because of the oil and gas sector, when they visit here and when the available information is provided, then they understand that there are a number of opportunities still available to create a niche for everybody.”

The Minister indicated that those persons who would eventually qualify as franchise holders have a responsibility to ensure that their delivery of a product in sales will keep the level of the business to a certain standard.

In addition to this, Minister Croal revealed

that the real estate company is coming at a time when the construction industry is in its prime. “…so, if you think from the half-year report that was presented by Dr. Ashni, (showing) that the construction industry grew for the first half (of the year) by 25 percent, and that’s only operating in a COVID pandemic period; or the effects coming following the impact last year, you can imagine what is going to happen going forward for the many investments that are going to be taking place in the infrastructure space, not only from a governmental level, but also from the Private Sector,” Minister Croal assured.

“And so, for the homeowners; the businesses; for opportunities in abundance, I’m also particularly pleased to see that you also have a platform that provides training. That is very important, so that you want to help the market grow, and to grow the level of service and quality of service,” he further noted.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, expressed that the presence of the RE/ MAX brand in Guyana is a demonstration of confidence in the country and its economy.

“Guyana, as we know, is one of the most attractive destinations for in-

Region 5 records significant decline in serious crimes – cases of rape worrying Police

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he Guyana Police Force has reported that serious crime is at its lowest rate in 10 years, and the Police Administration in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has reported a decrease in serious crime by 50 per cent.

In a recent press conference, Region Five Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, revealed that while serious crime in his district is down by 50%, there is a worrying increase in rape cases.

“Of the eight instances of rape that we had recorded, seven are for young females below the age of 18 years. I have had a discussion with the Probation and Welfare Officer, and we have to strategise and address the

issue. It is statutory rape, because sometimes because of the age limitation, they cannot give consent; it is recorded as rape as much as they might have consented,” the Commander pointed out.

For the year so far, there were six murders in Region Five, compared to 12 for last year. According to the Commander, only one of the murders this year is yet to be solved. “We are down to six murders this year. It is not that we don’t value life, but we are grateful that we had a reduction in the number of murders when compared to last year,” Simon posited.

In relation to armed robbery in which a firearm was involved, no case was reported for this year, compared to four being reported in 2020.

Two cases of robbery under arms wherein a weapon other than a firearm was used were reported for 2021, compared to 12 in 2020.

The region has also recorded zero cases of robbery with violence, but for cases of burglary, the region recorded five, compared to three last year. Break and enter and larceny also recorded a significate decline when compared to the previous year’s incidents.

Meanwhile, with respect to the traffic congestion and anticipated criminal activities during the Christmas season, the Guyana Police Force in the respective regions would mobilise 24hour patrols in residential areas and in the shopping environs.

vestments; and the time, this time is the right time to come here and invest!”

Rodrigues indicated. “I believe that once the work is put in, the investment is made – and, of course, with any new business, there has to be some amount of patience as you grow your business and as you make your name -- you have an advantage, because you come with a name that is renowned. And that is the RE/MAX brand,” Rodrigues added.

She echoed the sentiments of Minister Croal in encouraging members of the Guyanese diaspora to invest in Guyana by stating, “We’re proud to wel-

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

come our Guyanese who have spent years overseas and have returned home to invest in our country and to grow and develop Guyana.”

While highlighting that the time is right for investments, Rodrigues encouraged these types of investments, noting that “…it helps to grow competition and it helps to raise the bar and to raise the level of service that we deliver to the people of our country.

“As you know, our country and our economy are on an upward trajectory, and this is engineered through Government policies and the investment that Government is making in our economy,” she stated.

PAHO launches digital health worker to reduce alcohol consumption

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he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Friday launched “Pahola”, the world’s first digital health worker to specialise in alcohol and health, in an effort to help countries in the region reduce increasing rates of harmful drinking.

“Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among people aged between 15 and 49 years, so any and every tool that can help people to reduce their risk and lead a healthier life is welcome,” Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video message at the webinar launch of Pahola.

“New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are powerful tools for expanding access to information and care, and we hope Pahola will be very successful in the Americas and around the world.”

Designed to be empathetic and free of judgement, Pahola can provide general information about the risks of drinking and communicate interactively and confidentially with people. She can help assess users’ alcohol-related risks using a series of questions. If people then decide to cut down on drinking, Pahola can help them create a plan that includes identifying triggers and figuring out how to cope with them. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she can also refer people to alcohol treatment services.

“PAHO’s goal with Pahola is to help people better understand the harms caused by alcohol consumption, increase access to reli-

able information, facilitate self-assessment of alcohol-related risks, and take concrete steps to decrease alcohol use,” Assistant Director of PAHO, Dr Jarbas Barbosa noted.

He added that Pahola is not intended to replace direct contact with health professionals but aims to encourage people to seek help.

Alcohol consumption takes a heavy toll in the Americas, leading to about 379,000 deaths annually from related diseases, injuries, intoxication, and poisoning. Regular alcohol consumption also increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and some major forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Between 8 per cent and 10 per cent of the over-18 population in the Americas has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), defined as harmful use of alcohol or alcohol dependence. But about 80 per cent of people who need treatment for AUD do not get it because services are poorly developed or unavailable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUD services have been further disrupted, while alcohol consumption increased in several countries, aided by online sales

and home deliveries.

Director of NonCommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO, Dr Anselm Hennis emphasised Pahola’s capacity to meet health needs in the Americas.

“Pahola can simultaneously talk with millions of people who wish to assess the health risks of their drinking. She can significantly increase the delivery of alcohol education in settings where we simply don’t have enough health professionals to provide free or low-cost information and support. Many people can reduce their drinking with simple yet effective advice.”

Pahola complements other PAHO efforts to reduce risky drinking in the region. These include helping countries strengthen public policies such as effective taxation of alcohol, comprehensive restrictions on alcohol sales and marketing, and improving treatment interventions.

This week, PAHO also launched the “Live Better, Drink Less” public education campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol in the Americas.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 accused in murder of Berbice man profess innocence S

tefon Howard and Shawn Dos Santos the two men charged with the September 24, 2017 murder of 58-year-old Fazal Shaheed - professed their innocence on Friday through unsworn statements to the jury.

At around 00:45h on September 24, 2017, Fazal and his two brothers – Talim Shaheed of Canada and Shalim Shaheed of the United States, who were also shot during the robbery – were preparing for their fa-

Dead: Fazal Shaheed

ther’s memorial service when two masked men invaded a property at Lot 194 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

The men entered via an unlocked door and attacked the brothers who were sitting in the living room. The armed men relieved their victims of the jewellery they were wearing and fired several shots before escaping. In the end, the brothers were shot.

They were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment, but Fazal suc-

Young Guyanese entrepreneurs create shopping app

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hat started out as a small business that an entrepreneur destined for greatness, Matrix Shopping is now one of the greatest online shopping entities coming out of Guyana.

Starting with online shopping and the drive to make life simple, 41-yearold Larry Morgan who hails from New Amsterdam, Berbice, has turned his dream into a reality.

“Life’s been hard for persons in my jurisdiction when it comes to online shopping, to place your order you’d have to come to the city.

To receive the package, it’s the same process and even though it’s a simple process,

it’s one that’s both costly and timely. I thought to myself how can I make this even more simple, that’s when Matrix was created,” Morgan expressed.

In fact, he launched his business on social media platforms and websites.

“With the vision of ‘Making Life Simple’ in mind, not only did I offer online shopping but also free delivery. And if that wasn’t enough, I also went to the customers to uplift their down payment, again at NO cost.”

Two years later, Matrix has grown into a household name in Berbice and social media platforms. Given the reviews it has received, it’s no surprise persons from across Guyana are now tap-

ping into the service.

As such, Morgan was prompted to expand his service not only to his hometown but to persons from Parika, Timehri & Linden. His intention is to tap into the market in Bartica, Lethem, Essequibo, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma.

As the business continues to expand, Morgan has launched his second location in the city and would have teamed up with other young entrepreneurs and coders to establish the Matrix Shopping App. With already over 12,500 downloads and a 4.7 rating in the Playstore, the Matrix Shopping App is off to a flying start. Featuring its profound online shopping and delivery service, the app boasts several fantastic fea-

tures.

Complementing its online shopping, the app features “Instant Quotation”, saving customers time as opposed to waiting on a response from a representative.

In support of local businesses, the app also includes a “Local Buy and Sell” where businesses can promote their products and have them sold and delivered to their customer’s doorstep.

It also features “storefronts” for businesses - a service that allows persons to shop from local businesses virtually with over 10,000 items to choose from.

Like every other platform, it boosts the local entertainment sector. Just like YouTube and Facebook, persons can upload content and also add and chat with persons.

With great respect for content creators, the Matrix team is willing to pay persons uploading onto the platform. With a passion for creativity, Morgan alongside local producer Brandon Jones, is currently working on the film “The Ringleader”.

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year around the corner, the Matrix team set their focus on ensuring they provide the best service they can for their customers.

The public is asked to download the Matrix Shopping App and shop from the comfort of their homes.

Murder accused Stefon Howard

Murder accused Shawn Dos Santos

cumbed while undergoing surgery. The alleged perpetrators were later apprehended by the Police, and according to reports, one of them confessed to the robbery/murder.

When their trial continued on Friday before Justice Jo Ann Barlow, Howard and Dos Santos were called on to lead a defence after lawyers for the prosecution indicated that they had called all their witnesses. With advice from their lawyer Konyo Sandiford, the suspects who appeared in court via Zoom, elected to give unsworn statements.

“I never kill nobody…I don't even know why I'm here at this time. I'm innocent of this crime,” said Dos Santos.

His co-accused, Howard said, “I have no knowledge about this robbery. I’m innocent of this.” The trial has been adjourned to Monday for closing addresses.

At a previous hearing, Fazal’s widow Rahima Shaheed recounted seeing her spouse lying on the verandah in a pool of blood. She recalled that she and her husband had left their Albion, Berbice home on September 23, 2017, to attend her father-in-law’s one-year memorial service.

The widow recounted that at about 00:40h on September 24, 2017, she was in the kitchen area of the home when someone, whom she described as a “dark figure”, came up to her with a

gun. She said that the man’s face was covered, and she could have seen only his eyes, but she added that he had a small body structure. “…and he tell me go down on the ground and don’t make no noise. So I looked down, I didn’t do anything. I was praying…then I hear lots of gunshots…like crackers. I heard like 10 or 11 gunshots.

The gunshots were coming from the living room…” she recalled.

After the gunshots rang out, Rahima said she heard Talim Shaheed groaning. “I get up and wash my hands, and when I go in the sitting room, I see Talim and Shalim with blood, and I tell them, ‘Guys, open your eyes’.”

Wiping away tears, she added, “My husband was on the verandah, lie down with a set blood. I shake him and I started to scream…”

According to her, relatives called a car, “and we help fetch the boys [Fazal, Talim, and Shalim] them and put them in the car.”

She related that the driver made a brief stop at the East La Penitence Police Station, where they reported the robbery and later left for the Georgetown Public Hospital. She said that she subsequently learned that her husband died, while Talim and Shalim were admitted as patients.

2 years’ jail, $11M fine for foreign nationals in unmarked aircraft

Jailed: Juan David Caicedo Villa and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos Gomez appearing in the Chief Magistrate’s Georgetown court

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he two foreign nationals who illegally landed an aircraft at an airstrip at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) earlier this month were on Friday each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and fined $11 million on additional charges.

The men, Juan David Caicedo Villa, a 32-yearold pilot of Villavicencio, Colombia; and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos Gomez, a 48-year-old pilot/businessman of Tachira San Cristobal, Venezuela, appeared in Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan’s Georgetown court and pleaded guilty to the charges which alleged that, on November 4, at Mahdia, they interfered with the registration and identification mark of the aircraft, operated a civil aircraft without a certificate and insurance, and operated the aircraft recklessly.

As it relates to operating the plane without a certificate and insurance, they were sentenced to two years

about 18:00h on November 4. As a result, a party of Policemen immediately went to the airstrip. On arrival, they saw a six-seater Piper Aire blue, red and white aircraft on the ground in front of the Trans Guyana hangar.

Police ranks observed the two men standing in front of the aircraft talking with the security guard and ramp attendant. When confronted by the Police, one of the men said, “We are lost, we came from Venezuela and going to

The unmarked aircraft that landed at the Mahdia airstrip earlier this month

in prison. On the other charges, the men were fined a total of $11 million. Failure to pay the sum would result in default imprisonment for three years. The sentences will run concurrently.

Last week, the Colombian and Venezuelan nationals were charged with illegally entering Guyana and possession of two grammes of marijuana. They both denied the charges, and were remanded to prison.

A Police report said that ranks of the Mahdia Police Station observed the aircraft circling the Mahdia airstrip in an attempt to land at

look for gold”.

The aircraft contained three 15-gallon drums, two of which contained fuel; one hammock with net, one bag containing clothing and personal effects, and a black bag with identification cards, documents, one Garmin GPS, one Iridium Phone, one Icom radio set, one spot trace device, two phone chargers, one earpiece, one lighter, one torchlight, one Motorola phone, one Samsung phone, one knife, two wristwatches, one wallet, two grams of suspected cannabis, and bamboo wrap.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Booster shots to be rolled out on Monday – Dr Anthony announces …vaccination for 5-11 yr old cohort delayed

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tarting from next week, COVID-19 booster shots will be administered to person aged 50 years and older; or any adult patient that is suffering from comorbidities.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed on Friday that six months after the second shot is taken, the booster dose can be administered for these two cohorts.

For the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the booster jab can be administered after 52 days. The Ministry is using the existing vaccines in the country to roll out this new leg of the

vaccination campaign. In addition, the booster shots can different from the shot that was initially taken.

“Out of an abundance of caution, what we are going to do from next week is that we want to make booster shots available to persons 50 years and above. Once you passed 50, you can come into any one of the vaccination sites and we’d be able to give you a booster if you’d like a booster,” said the Minister.

Authorities arrived at this decision after compelling data suggested that six months after the first dose, immunity starts to wean. To

avoid the chance of breakthrough infections or risk compromised protection, the booster shot is now offered.

“We have been contemplating how do we move forward with this and we have concluded based on data and recommendation from more stringent authorities that a booster shot is necessary. What that data has shown is that six months after the second dose, immunity starts to wean. Therefore, if the immunity starts to wean, the chances are that persons can get infected, there can be breakthrough infections and the protection

EBD fatal accident

Vehicle that caused accident swerved from hitting reversing truck – Police

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five-year-old child is now an orphan after her father and pregnant mother lost their lives during a two-vehicle collision at Caledonia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Thursday.

Police said the couple died after a motor lorry swerved from a reversing motor lorry and hit the car in which the couple was travelling.

The dead couple are 31-year-old Olisa Sanderson-Valcin and Nicholas Valcin, 42, of Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

A 20-year-old male who was identified as Shaquel Williams of Blue Berry Hill Squatting Area, Linden, remains hospitalised.

Police stated that the accident involved motor lorry bearing registration number GWW 4922 that was driven by a 50-year-old resident of Soesdyke, EBD, and motor car PXX 8815 that was driven by the now dead man.

It was reported that motor lorry GWW 4922 was proceeding north along the western side of Caledonia Public Road, EBD, whilst motor car PXX 8815 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the said road.

Police said as both vehicles were approaching a

Dead: Olisa Sanderson-Valcin and Nicholas Valcin

landfill site, situated on the western side of the road, an unknown motor lorry which was transporting sand was reversing into the site, thus causing the driver of the motor lorry to swerve to avoid a collision with the reversing truck.

In so doing, he ended up in the path of the motor car, resulting in a head-on collision.

As a result, Nicholas and his wife Onica, who was in the left front seat, and Williams, who was sitting on the rear seat, received injuries to their head and about their bodies.

They were all taken out of the car in an unconscious

condition by the Police and public-spirited citizens and escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

On arrival at the medical facility, the couple was examined by a doctor who pronounced them dead while receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, Williams was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and was admitted a patient suffering from body trauma. A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the motor lorry proved that he had no alcohol in his system.

The driver is in custody as further investigations are in progress.

that the vaccine would offer, that can start to wean,” he detailed.

Comorbid conditions include cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, chronic lung diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, mental health disorders, neurological conditions, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell anaemia, tuberculosis, solid organ transplant patients, smokers or those with substance use disorder.

“Any one of these persons, if you have such a condition, then you’re eligible for booster,” said Dr Anthony.

In Guyana, there is vaccination coverage of 77 per cent first doses and 52.1 per cent second doses.

Additionally, some 19,796

adolescents are fully immunised.

Delayed

The Health Ministry had planned to start the rollout of Pfizer shots on November 19 for children between the ages of five and 11. However, this has since been delayed pending the arrival of special doses for this age cohort.

The new formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children would require two doses three weeks apart.

“Pfizer has made special vaccination for this age group. While it is the same ingredients and everything, the packaging has been different and we have [been] making efforts to source that. Unfortunately, we were not able to get it in time to start our vaccination as we

had intended. Therefore, we will have to defer that until we get those special doses,” said Dr Anthony.

On October 29, the Food and Drug Administration granted Emergency Use Authorisation for the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children within this category. On November 2, 2021, after a systematic review of available data, the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices made an interim recommendation to use the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children in the United States for the prevention of COVID-19.

The double-dose vaccine has an efficacy of about 95 per cent and is one of two vaccines approved for children by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Call for immediate ban on log exports Misinformed – Forestry Commission

…forest managed with less than 1% annual deforestation

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he Guyana Forestry Commission has regarded the calls for an immediate ban on log exports as illogical and distanced from fact-based information which currently provides a clear understanding of Guyana’s forestry sector.

In a statement on Friday, the Commission stated that false assertions indicating that President Dr Irfaan Ali was duplicitous at COP26 is “presumptuous and reckless at its very least”.

While it noted that constructive and fact-based criticisms are welcomed, calls were made for Article 13 to seek clarification and present factual data, rather than making statements that are “erroneous and have no linkage” with what was reported by the Head of State at COP26.

It pointed out that COP26 was not about individual positions of each country but was rather a global call for the reduction of emissions.

Guyana’s forests, managed by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) under sustainable forest management standards, continue to perform an essential service in climate balance through carbon storage and sequestration.

“For the uninformed, Guyana’s forest stores 19.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, and sequesters approximately 154M tCO2e annually.

For comparison, the entire world emits about 50 billion tons a year.

Guyana’s annual deforestation is among the lowest in the world, averaging 0.056 per cent per annum,” the GFC schooled.

Contrary to the misinformed article, said the statement, deforestation does not occur in the forestry sector based on the guidelines that are strictly

enforced. Guyana practices sustainable forestry management in a very robust and systematic manner.

“Our practices are recognised internationally as among the best. This has been confirmed by numerous independent international audits. Guyana can practice selective logging at a maximum allowable conservative rate of 20m3 per hectare over a 60-year cycle (the equivalent of approximately three trees per acre, or six trees per hectare). However, even though the annual allowable sustainable production from the allocated forest is 1.2Mm3, the current actual level of production is 400,000m3. Additionally, about 50 per cent of the State forest is unallocated.”

Guyana has had in place a Log Export Policy since 2006. The rates charged per m3 of logs exported have been continuously adjusted upwards, and are currently among the highest, compared with other tropical timber-producing countries.

It is of great interest, too, that log bans have proven to be ineffective in many other countries. If not implemented in conjunction with other measures, a ban would quickly destroy the sector, as it can lead to a glut in the market and lowering of prices, thus forcing producers out of business, the Commission underscored.

“The Guyanese forestry

sector provides employment to approximately 20,000 Guyanese, many of whom live in the hinterland regions. Our Government does not make impromptu decisions when considering such important factors that impact these 20,000 forest sector workers; multiple national consultations were done with all stakeholders, inclusive of the major producing and manufacturing groups, before the Log Export Policy was developed,” it added.

The statistics would also show that current levels of log export are below 20 per cent of actual production.

Thus, over 80 per cent of logs produced are available for local sales, for processing and use in the domestic economy, and for export as finished and value-added production. This 80 per cent is more than adequate, given the current processing capacity in-country.

The Government also has various protection measures for the local processing and value-added industry. For example, the tariffs on imported pine and plywood were increased a few years ago to the maximum level of 40 per cent and 45 per cent respectively, from the previous levels of five per cent.

This alone is a direct benefit and protection mechanism for domestic manufacturers and value-added processing operators.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US teenager Kyle Rittenhouse Oil dives over 2%, below $80 on resurgent pandemic in Europe

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il prices fell on Friday below US$80 a barrel as surging COVID-19 cases in Europe threatened to slow the economic recovery while investors also weighed a potential release of crude reserves by major economies to cool prices.

Brent futures for January fell US$2.24, or 2.8 per cent, to US$79.00 a barrel by 11:00 am EST (1600 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for December fell US$2.54, or 3.2 per cent, to US$76.47 on its last day as the front-month.

WTI for January, which will soon be the US front-month, were down about US$2.15, or 2.8 per cent, to US$76.24.

Brent was on track for its lowest close since Sept 30 and WTI for its lowest close since Oct 1. Both benchmarks were also headed for a fourth straight weekly decline for the first time since March 2020.

Austria became the first country in western Europe to reimpose a full coronavirus lockdown this autumn to tackle a new wave of COVID-19 infections across the region.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, warned it may also have to move to a full lockdown.

Brent has surged almost 60 per cent this year as economies have bounced back from the pandemic and as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies, known as OPEC+, have only raised output gradually.

"The (oil) market still remains fundamentally in a good position but lockdowns are now an obvious risk... if other countries follow Austria's lead," Craig Erlam, market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

Governments from some of the world's biggest economies were looking into releasing oil from strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) following a request from the United States, first reported by Reuters, for a coordinated move to cool prices.

Speculation about a US stock release already pushed oil prices down about US$4 a barrel in recent weeks and additional supplies of up to 100 million barrels are already priced in, Goldman Sachs oil analysts said in a note.

As a result, it said any release "would only provide a shortterm fix to a structural deficit".

OPEC+ has stuck to its policy of gradual oil output increases even as prices surged, saying it expects supply to outpace demand in the first months of 2022. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Philippine church founder charged with sex trafficking of women

T

he founder of a Philippines church trafficked girls and young women and forced them to have sex with him on pain of eternal damnation, the US Justice Department has charged.

Cash raised for a bogus California-based charity was used to recruit victims who would be brought to the United States from the Philippines to work in a church called the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KOJC), the department said on Friday as it indicted the founder.

Some would be put to work raising more cash to help fund a lavish lifestyle for Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, an ally of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.

The 71-year-old, referred to by church members as “The Appointed Son of God”, along with two co-defendants is now charged with sex-traf-

ficking of females aged 12 to 25 years to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” for Quiboloy, a wide-ranging indictment says.

“The victims prepared Quiboloy’s meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called ‘night duty’,” the department said in a press release.

“Defendant Quiboloy and other KOJC administrators coerced pastorals into performing ‘night duty’ – that is, sex – with defendant Quiboloy under the threat of physical and verbal abuse and eternal damnation.”

The indictment alleges the sex trafficking scheme ran for at least 16 years until 2018.

The indictment builds on a previous indictment to include a total of nine defendants. Three were arrested in the US on Thursday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

cleared over Kenosha killings A US teenager who shot dead two men during racial justice protests has been cleared of homicide and all other charges after claiming self-defence.

Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, killed the men and wounded a third on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, on August 25, 2020.

During the high profile and politically divisive trial, his defence said he had feared for his life. Prosecutors argued he was looking for trouble that night.

National Guard troops have been sent to the city amid fears of unrest.

Rittenhouse faced five charges, including intention-

The trial has divided opinions, with rival demonstrators outside the courthouse

al homicide, which carries a life sentence.

His fate was decided by a 12-person jury composed of seven women and five men, who had spent more than

three days deliberating.

The teenager stood with his lawyer to hear the verdict, then he began to shake with sobs and nearly collapsed as he heard the words

"not guilty" read out five times.

Two nights before he turned up in Kenosha last year, riots had erupted on its streets after Police shot Jacob Blake, a black man, leaving him paralysed.

Rittenhouse, then aged 17, had travelled to the city from his home in Illinois. Armed with a semi-automatic rifle, he said he sought to help protect property from unrest.

On the court steps Jacob Blake's uncle was in tears and said he was shocked at the verdict. He said that if Rittenhouse had been a black teenager "police would have shot him dead". (Excerpt from BBC News)

PM Modi repeals three Austria imposes full COVID lockdown, makes controversial farm laws vaccination mandatory

Farmers feed each other sweets and celebrate as they pose for pictures after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he would repeal the controversial farm laws, at the Ghazipur farmers protest site near Delhi-UP border, India, November 19, 2021

On Thursday, more than 15,000 cases were recorded in the Alpine EU member State of nearly nine million people

A

ustria will become the first country in Western Europe to reimpose a full coronavirus lockdown to tackle a new wave of infections and will require its whole population to be vaccinated by February, its government has said.

Friday’s announcement came as roughly twothirds of Austria’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, one of the lowest rates in western Europe.

The country’s infection rate is among the highest on the continent, with a seven-day incidence of 991 per 100,000 people.

Austria had introduced a lockdown for all those who were unvaccinated on Monday but since then, infections have set new records.

The two worst-hit provinces, Salzburg and Upper Austria, said on Thursday they would introduce their own lockdowns, raising pressure on the government to do the same nationally.

“We have not succeeded in convincing enough people to get vaccinated,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told a news conference, saying the lockdown would start on Monday.

He blamed those refusing to be vaccinated for an “attack on the health system” and said, “it hurts that such measures still have to be taken.”

Public scepticism about vaccines has been encouraged by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, the third-biggest in Parliament, which is planning an anti-lockdown protest today.

The new measures mean people are no longer allowed to leave their houses with few exceptions such as shopping for essentials and exercising.

The chancellor said on Friday that those who refused to be vaccinated would now face fines, adding the details would be finalised in the coming weeks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

I

n a victory to farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced a rollback of the three farm laws with a public apology for his inability to explain the reforms, which were “as pure as light”, to them.

In a televised address, Modi said the three farm laws will be repealed in the upcoming winter session of Parliament and announced a committee with nominees from the Central and State governments to examine farm sector issues such as zero-budget farming...

Modi's decision is a significant climb-down for the combative leader and comes as state elections in politically important grain-belt states loom.

The legislation - three laws introduced in September last year - was aimed at deregulating the sector, allowing farmers to sell produce to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets where growers are assured of a minimum price.

Farmers, fearing the reform would cut the prices they get for their crops, staged nationwide protests that drew in activists and celebrities from India and be-

yond, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and pop singer Rihanna.

"Today I have come to tell you, the whole country, that we have decided to withdraw all three agricultural laws," Modi said in an address to the nation.

"I urge farmers to return to their homes, their farms and their families, and I also request them to start afresh."

The government would repeal the laws in the new session of Parliament, starting this month, he said.

The concession on laws the government had said were essential to tackle chronic wastage and inefficiencies comes ahead of elections early next year in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India's most populous state and long a key political battleground, and two other northern states with large rural populations.

Modi's capitulation leaves unresolved a complex system of farm subsidies and price supports that critics say the government cannot afford.

It could also raise questions for investors about how economic reforms risk being undermined by political pressures. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get involved in something that will help your community. Your input will lead to an unexpected opportunity. Don't take risks that can lead to illness or injury. A joint venture will be disappointing.

Embrace change, go with the flow and navigate your way through obstacles like a pro. Use experience, intuition and intelligence, and you will outmaneuver any challenger or rival.

Stick to the truth and ask questions if you think someone is withholding information.

Educational pursuits will help you understand the ins and outs of something that interests you. Expand your mind.

Find a way to use your skills differently, and you'll come up with a shortcut that will help you stay ahead of your workload. Sign up for something unique, and it will give you a needed boost.

Consider what's going on in your vicinity and voice your opinion. Anger won't solve anything, but a valid suggestion will help you win support. Do what you can to improve your life.

Control your emotions.

When in doubt, be a good listener. Plan something special for you and a loved one.

An affectionate gesture is encouraged. A proposal may be slightly misleading.

Take nothing and no one for granted. Ask questions and address anything that might pose a problem for you. Know what you are up against, and you'll figure out a way to succeed.

Too much of anything will weigh you down. Pass along things you no longer use. Take a strict approach to decluttering your space and making it more conducive to furthering your long-term goals.

Take care of unfinished SAGITTARIUS business. You'll feel better (Nov. 23when your responsibilities Dec. 21) are taken care of and you are free to do something enjoyable with someone special.

Be honest.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don't take on too much.

Look at what you are up against and call in people you can count on to help.

Sharing and caring will set the stage for a great day.

Spend time at home.

Clear a space that will allow you to pursue something that interests you. Take charge of projects, and delegate jobs to people you want to work alongside.

Leave nothing to chance when dealing with emotional (Feb. 20situations. Don't get involved March 20) in gossip or neglect to complete important paperwork.

Take the necessary steps to achieve your dreams.

PISCES

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

21

India vs New Zealand, T20I series…

Harshal, openers sparkle as India SCOREBOARD pocket T20I series A

117-run stand between KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma topped off a superb team effort with the ball in dewy conditions as India wrapped up victory in the T20I series against New Zealand with one match still remaining.

Both openers made half-centuries, during which their calculated risks came off at just the right times to ensure that a potentially tricky chase proved more or less straightforward, even if there was a minor blip towards the end, with three wickets falling for the addition of 20 runs.

Having won their second straight toss - Rohit has so far proven markedly better at this skill than his predecessor Virat Kohli - India didn't get off to the best of starts, with Martin Guptill clattering 31 off 15 as New Zealand dominated their powerplay. But the bowlers, led by R Ashwin and the debutant Harshal Patel, pulled things back magnificently, and the openers laid the perfect platform for a chase that India eventually wrapped up with 16 balls to spare.

Guptill tees off Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a terrific first over by most measures; going full, finding swing, and causing Guptill all sorts of bother. But it ended with Bhuvneshwar wicketless and Guptill on 14 off 6, having hit three fours - none of which came off the

true middle of the bat - and having been dropped once, by Rahul running back from midon.

The swing dissipated and the runs kept flowing, with the dew - which set in even before the match began - seemingly causing the ball to hurry on to the bat, allowing both openers to hit fluently through the line. Guptill did the bulk of the hitting, and had already hit two vintage straight sixes before Deepak Chahar dismissed him with a well-directed short ball in the fifth over.

For the second match in a row, Chahar has dismissed Guptill immediately after being hit for six. New Zealand at that point were 48 for 1 in 4.2 overs.

The slowdown Mark Chapman found the boundary twice before the powerplay ended, and at 64 for 1, New Zealand looked on course for 180 or more. But a combination of superb bowling, a pitch that turned out to be less of a belter than it had initially seemed, and a batting line-up that couldn't quite come to grips with either ensured they ended up well short.

As he has been in every match since his comeback to India's white-ball set-up, Ashwin was imperious, varying pace, trajectory, line and release expertly to ensure the ball never quite arrived where the batter wanted it, or in the way that he wanted it to. And

once again, his range of angles and variations allowed him to make a mockery of theoretical match-ups.

By the end of his four overs - which he ended with figures of 1 for 19 - he had bowled 71 balls to right-hand batters since his T20I comeback, while conceding just 51 runs and zero boundaries.

Harshal's slower ball, meanwhile, proved just as effective on international debut as it had done through his record-breaking 2021 IPL season, in conjunction with the long boundaries at the JSCA Stadium. He conceded just 25 in his four overs, and took the wickets of Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, both caught in the deep.

Post-powerplay, New Zealand only scored 89 at 6.36 per over; with Mitchell, Chapman, Tim Seifert and James Neesham combining to score 36 off 51 after the fields spread out.

That New Zealand ended up with 153 was largely down to the fast hands of Phillips, who hit three sixes in scoring 34 off 21.

The calm, the storm The target didn't demand that India explode off the blocks, and that allowed Rahul and Rohit to ease their way into their innings. Rahul took the bulk of the strike in the powerplay - 26 balls to Rohit's 10 - and moved smoothly to 32 in that time, timing the ball quite exquisitely on occasion -

a drive past mid-off and a flat six over extra-cover, both off Trent Boult, were particularly easy on the eye.

At the 6-over mark, India were 45 for no loss, and the next three overs - bowled

by Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner - brought no boundaries. In the first T20I, Suryakumar Yadav had taken control of his match-up against Todd Astle's legspin, allowing Rohit to bat at a relaxed tempo against spin after a rollicking start against the quicks. Now, with neither Rohit nor Rahul particularly renowned for going after spin in the middle overs, there was potential for anxiety to creep into India's innings, despite the required rate being under control.

Rohit put any such anxiety to bed by taking on Santner in the 10th over. Premeditating for Santner's stock ball - sliding in from back of a length with the angle from left-arm around - Rohit made a massive amount of hitting room and pulled his first ball for six.

Then he cleared his front leg and hit another flat slider for a six over long-on.

Santner nearly had his revenge next ball when he slowed down his pace, got the ball to turn and bounce a little more than usual, and got Rohit to miscue a slog-sweep, but Boult put down a difficult chance running in from longon.

Rahul and Rohit then took 26 off the next two overs, off

NEW ZEALAND INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Martin Guptill c†Pant b Chahar 31 Daryl Mitchell c Yadav b HV Patel 31 Mark Chapman c Rahul b AR Patel 21 Glenn Phillips c sub (RD Gaikwad) b HV Patel 34 Tim Seifert † c Kumar b Ashwin 13 James Neesham c †Pant b Kumar 3 Mitchell Santner not out 8 Adam Milne not out 5 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.65) 153/6 Did not bat: Tim Southee (c), Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Martin Guptill, 4.2 ov), 2-79 (Mark Chapman, 8.5 ov), 3-90 (Daryl Mitchell, 11.2 ov), 4-125 (Tim Seifert, 15.1 ov), 5-137 (Glenn Phillips, 16.3 ov), 6-140 (James Neesham, 17.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-39-1 Deepak Chahar 4-0-42-1 Axar Patel 4-0-26-1 Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-19-1 Harshal Patel 4-0-25-2

Adam Milne and Boult, and India were 105 for no loss with the required rate down to nearly a run a ball.

Southee triggers a wobble Much like it did for Harshal, the slower ball into the pitch began to bring Tim Southee rewards. On 65, Rahul looked to whip him over the leg side boundary, but failed to clear the boundary rider. In his next over, Southee got a slower ball to hold on the pitch and climb awkwardly at Rohit, who popped a catch to short cover. When Suryakumar bottom-edged another slower cut-

INDIA INNINGS (TARGET: 154 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) KL Rahul c Phillips b Southee 65 Rohit Sharma (c) c Guptill b Southee 55 Venkatesh Iyer not out 12 Suryakumar Yadav b Southee 1 Rishabh Pant † not out 12 Extras (lb 6, w 4) 10 TOTAL (17.2 Ov, RR: 8.94) 155/3 Did not bat: Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel Fall of wickets: 1-117 (KL Rahul, 13.2 ov), 2-135 (Rohit Sharma, 15.3 ov), 3-137 (Suryakumar Yadav, 15.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 4-0-16-3 Trent Boult 4-0-36-0 Mitchell Santner 4-0-33-0 Adam Milne 3-0-39-0 Ish Sodhi 2-0-13-0 James Neesham 0.2-0-12-0

ter into his stumps at the end of that over, India had two new batters at the crease with 17 required from 24.

A vaguely similar situation had led to an unexpectedly close finish in Jaipur, but India didn't let it go that deep here. Venkatesh Iyer promoted to No. 3 after not being needed with the ball yet again - looked nervy, but picked up a pair of edged fours before Rishabh Pant completed the job, smacking Neesham for back-to-back sixes at the start of the 18th over, ending the game with a trademark one-handed hit.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Abu Dhabi T10 League…

Gurbaz, Hafeez, Rutherford set the tone for Bulls’ first win

SCOREBOARD

T

he Abu Dhabi T10 League got off to a flier, with the Delhi Bulls and the Northern Warriors locking horns in a thrilling ten-over affair. In the end, the Bulls made light work of their opponents, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sherfane Rutherford and Mohammed Hafeez.

Mohammed Hafeez kept things ticking with an 18-ball 31

Batting first, the Warriors posted 107-4, thanks to the efforts of Moeen Ali, who made 35 off 21, and Rovman Powell, who made 38 off 19 deliveries.

Bowling for the Bulls, Shiraz Ahmed took 1-16, Ravi Rampaul took 1-18, Romario Shepherd took 1-19 and Dwayne Bravo took 1-28.

In reply, the Bulls ended

on 110-4, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz coming in at the top of the order and setting the tone by blasting 30 off 10 deliveries. Mohammed Hafeez then kept things ticking with an 18ball 31. From there the scoring accelerated, as Sherfane Rutherford blasted 29 off 15 with three towering maximums and one boundary; and

with overs to spare, Romario Shepherd finished the game in the ninth over by smacking two consecutive boundaries off Chris Jordan to close the game.

Bowling for the Warriors, Abhimanyu Mithun took 1-16, Josh Little took 1-24, Imran Tahir took 1-28, and Chris Jordan took 1-29.

NORTHERN WARRIORS INNINGS (10 OVERS MAXIMUM) Kennar Lewis b Shiraz Ahmed 2 Moeen Ali c Rossouw b Bravo 35 Samit Patel b Rampaul 15 Rovman Powell (c) b Shepherd 38 Ross Whiteley not out 2 Chris Jordan not out 2 Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 1, w 9) 13 TOTAL (10 Ov, RR: 10.70) 107/4 Did not bat: Umair Ali, Abhimanyu Mithun, Josh Little, Imran Tahir, Abdul Shakoor † Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Kennar Lewis, 0.6 ov), 2-28 (Samit Patel, 3.3 ov), 3-98 (Rovman Powell, 8.1 ov), 4-104 (Moeen Ali, 9.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shiraz Ahmed 2-0-16-1 Dominic Drakes 2-0-23-0 Ravi Rampaul 2-0-18-1 Romario Shepherd 2-0-19-1 Dwayne Bravo 2-0-28-1

DELHI BULLS INNINGS (TARGET: 108 RUNS FROM 10 OVERS) Rahmanullah Gurbaz † lbw b Imran Tahir 30 Rilee Rossouw c Imran Tahir b Mithun 6 Mohammad Hafeez c †Abdul Shakoor b Jordan 31 Sherfane Rutherford c Mithun b Little 29 Eoin Morgan not out 3 Romario Shepherd not out 8 Extras (lb 3) 3 TOTAL (9 Ov, RR: 12.22) 110/4 Did not bat: Dominic Drakes, Adil Rashid, Ravi Rampaul, Shiraz Ahmed, Dwayne Bravo (c) Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 1.6 ov), 2-37 (Rilee Rossouw, 2.2 ov), 3-88 (Sherfane Rutherford, 6.6 ov), 4-102 (Mohammad Hafeez, 8.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Josh Little 2-0-24-1 Imran Tahir 2-0-28-1 Abhimanyu Mithun 2-0-16-1 Umair Ali 1-0-10-0 Chris Jordan 2-0-29-1

22

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GSCL Inc grateful for sponsorship support …thankful that fans and players followed COVID protocols

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he fifth edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup softball cricket competition ended last Sunday with a bang. The three final matches that produced the grand final each had all the fireworks expected, prompting President of the GSCL Inc, Ian John, to express gratitude to all the sponsors for their continued support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John also showered praise on the fans and the players for being disciplined in maintaining all COVID-19 stipulated guidelines.

In an interview with this publication, John said, “The tournament was well targeted on the week it was played, as we were blessed with wonderful sunshine. As we looked at

John and PM Mark Phillips taking a tour around the ground

this week, and even the week before the tournament, we saw a lot of rain, so we have to give thanks to The Almighty for giving us good weather. To the sponsors, it is overwhelming to know that sponsors can come

out in these tough times to still support cricket, or to support sports in general.

“The media has played its part, and it is because of the media that we were able to have sponsorship in such mag-

Teams in the competition observed the COVID-19 protocols

nitude.”

John further noted that he is grateful to the fans who came out in support, as the tournament was held at Providence instead of Everest, where it was played on previous occa-

sions. He relayed that in terms of the 2022 edition, he is hoping that COVID “goes its way”, as this would allow teams from Canada to participate. COVID, he said, was the main reason why no Canadian team played

Nandu, Amurdan shine as WI U19 get match prep ahead of World Cup

T

he players in the West Indies U19 Rising Stars camp received some game-time on Thursday with a 50-over warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

After two days of intense net sessions and fitness routines, the 28 squad members got their first taste of competition with an intra-squad match.

Opening batsman Anderson Amurdan was the standout performer with a well-made half-century on a good batting surface.

The stocky right-hander top scored with 77 off 110 balls, with eight fours in 2 ¼ hours at the crease.

He shared a century opening stand with Shaq Parris, who made 42 off 61 balls, with four fours and a six.

They looked solid at the crease, and led the Giovonte DePeiza Team to 212-4 off 42.3 overs, winning the match by six wickets against the Ackeem Auguste Team, which made 210 all out after being asked to bat first.

The Amurdan-Parris partnership ended when Parris was smartly stumped

by Carleon Bowen-Tuckett as he advanced down the pitch and missed a delivery from Amrit Dass.

Teddy Bishop then

showed his class with a number of well-timed strokes on both sides of the wicket. He strolled to a run-a-ball 40 that included five boundaries.

Leg-spinner Matthew Nandu then snapped up three wickets, as he bowled Bishop with a delivery which kept low and defeated the batsman, then he had Amurdan caught in the deep as he attempted to clear the on-side; and he had Kyle Kissondath caught by Nathan Edward.

Nandu ended with 3-20 off nine overs, to end with the best figures for the day.

The first half of the match was dominated by a face-sav-

ing partnership between Edwards and fellow lefthander Anderson Mahase.

The pair came together at 118-8, and added 80 for the ninth wicket to save the innings. Mahase made 61 not out off 72 balls, which included five fours and a six, while Edward contributed 25 off 22 balls, including back-to-back boundaries.

The next warm-up match will be played on Monday at the same venue, as the youngsters continue preparing for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Cricket West Indies will host the 14th edition of this tournament for

the first time ever, as the event which showcases the future stars of cricket will see 16 teams travelling to the Caribbean to compete in 48 matches across four host countries from January 14 to February 5.

The four host countries have been confirmed as Antigua, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad, with 10 venues hosting matches.

The format will see the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the Super League, while the remaining teams feature in the Plate across 23 days of competition. (Windies Cricket)

Dottin’s century leads Windies Women to warm-up win SCOREBOARD

W

est Indies Women came up against Thailand in the third match of the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers Warmup at Sunrise Sports Club on Friday. This encounter saw the women in maroon thrash their opponents by 151 runs, compliments of a brilliant century from Deandra Dottin.

Put in to bat first, the West Indies Women posted 230-6 in their allotment of 50 overs.

Deandra Dottin scored 101 off 141 deliveries, her innings including 11 boundaries and one maximum.

Despite Dottin’s batting, a cluster of wickets fell, but she received support from Hayley Matthews, who scored a handy 57 to take the ladies in maroon to a respectable total.

Onnicha Kamchomphu and Suleeporn Laomi were the main wicket-takers for Thailand, bagging two wickets each.

Hayley Matthews scored 57

Deandra Dottin scored 101

In their chase, Thailand were bundled out for 79 in 36.3 overs. They simply were no match for the ladies from the Caribbean, as they were completely outplayed. Chanida Sutthiruang was the only one to score, as she played a resistant knock of 37.

Bowling for the West Indies, Aaliyah Alleyne took 2-9 and Shakera Selman took 2-1; while Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Anisa Mohammed, Stafanie Taylor and Qiana Joseph each bagged one wicket.

WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Deandra Dottin retired out 101 Rashada Williams c Tippoch b Maya 13 Shemaine Campbelle c Sutthiruang b Kamchomphu 8 Stafanie Taylor (c)† lbw b Kamchomphu 8 Hayley Matthews st †Koncharoenkai b Laomi 57 Chedean Nation c Chantham b Laomi 12 Aaliyah Alleyne not out 9 Chinelle Henry not out 1 Extras (lb 8, w 13) 21 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 4.59, 190 Mts) 230/6 Did not bat: Anisa Mohammed, Sheneta Grimmond, Shakera Selman, Kyshona Knight, Kycia Knight, Qiana Joseph, Shamilia Connell Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Rashada Williams, 11.4 ov), 2-65 (Shemaine Campbelle, 16.6 ov), 3-86 (Stafanie Taylor, 22.1 ov), 4-195 (Deandra Dottin, 44.6 ov), 5-220 (Chedean Nation, 49.1 ov), 6-221 (Hayley Matthews, 49.3 ov BOWLING O-M-R-W Chanida Sutthiruang 4-0-23-0 Nattaya Boochatham 8-0-44-0 Rosenan Kanoh 6-0-26-0 Phannita Maya 5-0-15-1 Thipatcha Putthawong 4-0-7-0 Onnicha Kamchomphu 6-0-26-2 Sornnarin Tippoch 4-0-12-0 Suleeporn Laomi 8-0-37-2 Wongpaka Liengprasert 3-0-13-0 Naruemol Chaiwai 2-0-19-0 THAILAND WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 231 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Nattaya Boochatham c Matthews b Alleyne 5

Natthakan Chantham c Grimmond b Selman 7 Nannapat Koncharoenkai † c Campbelle b Alleyne 0 Naruemol Chaiwai (c) b Connell 1 Sornnarin Tippoch c Campbelle b Henry 9 Wongpaka Liengprasert b Mohammed 0 Chanida Sutthiruang b Matthews 37 Onnicha Kamchomphu b Selman 2 Suleeporn Laomi c Campbelle b Joseph 0 Rosenan Kanoh c Grimmond b Taylor 0 Phannita Maya not out 4 Extras (b 1, w 13) 14 TOTAL (36.3 Ov,RR:2.16, 136Mts) 79 Did not bat: Thipatcha Putthawong, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Banthida Leephatthana Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Nattaya Boochatham, 3.4 ov), 2-11 (Nannapat Koncharoenkai, 5.2 ov), 3-22 (Naruemol Chaiwai, 8.3 ov), 4-34 (Sornnarin Tippoch, 16.5 ov), 5-35 (Wongpaka Liengprasert, 17.6 ov), 6-35 (Natthakan Chantham, 20.1 ov), 7-37 (Onnicha Kamchomphu, 22.2 ov), 8-47 (Suleeporn Laomi, 24.3 ov), 9-48 (Rosenan Kanoh, 27.1 ov), 10-79 (Chanida Sutthiruang, 36.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shamilia Connell 5-1-15-1 Aaliyah Alleyne 5-2-9-2 Chinelle Henry 5-2-8-1 Anisa Mohammed 5-3-2-1 Shakera Selman 2-1-1-2 Stafanie Taylor 4-1-12-1 Qiana Joseph 5-2-18-1 Sheneta Grimmond 4-0-12-0 Hayley Matthews 1.3-0-1-1

in this edition.

“Teams could not come from Canada because of the late approval to run this tournament. They could not also come because of the high air fares meted out to them. This thwarted the respective teams in Canada from travelling at that time. The teams are eager to come; as long as we get the clearance early, they will come in 2022,” John posited.

"We would like to thank the players and fans for the discipline that was shown by them to observe the COVID-19 guidelines that were stipulated in order for the tournament to be a success," John said in closing his remarks.

This tournament was sponsored by Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s our Life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, Dyna’s Embroidery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Gandhi University, P and P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Lucky Star Boutique, Price Chopper Store, and Associate Packers.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Hetmyers, KSM Investments and Bakewell on board RHTY&SC Christmas Programme T

he plans of the 12 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate during the upcoming Christmas season, this week received a major boost as several donors and sponsors came on board.

The teams would be hosting 12 different activities from December 1st to 24th, including distribution of 1000 food hampers, 7000 toys, 1000 Christmas breakfast, educational materials, cycles, and special festive season packages to single parent households.

The club would also be hosting the seventh edition of its popular Christmas Village under very strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Last week, the club received financial assistance from major donors - West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer and his wife Nirvani; Bakewell, KSM Inc, and Navin and Sons Construction. Additionally, the teams received assis-

KSM Inc representative Seukumar Panchu handing over cheque to RHTY&SC CEO Hilbert Foster

tance from several overseas friends as they set about preparing for the festive season.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said preparation for the 32nd edition of the charity programme has been very difficult as the cost of groceries and toys have skyrocketed over the last few months due to the worldwide shipping problem. He noted that, for example, a car toy which cost

$400 in 2020 is now priced at $1500, while a bottle of oil which was $340 is now $560.

He, however, committed the club and its teams to assisting as much as possible.

The Hetmyers have made a very significant contribution to the club, which would cover the cost of the food hampers project, while KSM Inc and Bakewell contributed a combined $500,000 which was used to purchase toys from China

West Indies vs Sri Lanka…

Solozano 'not dwelling' on ordinary first-class average

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Jeremey Solozano

he reactions in the Caribbean have become a norm after a squad has been selected.

Many have reacted to the selection of opening batsman Jeremy Solozano to the West Indies Test team touring Sri Lanka, with the first match bowling off on Sunday, November 21, at the Galle International Stadium.

This solid left-hander who hails from Trinidad and Tobago has played 40 first-

class matches and has an average of 23.41. Speaking to the media in a virtual interaction, the humble lad said he is not dwelling on his first-class average, as he seeks a fresh start in this new chapter of his career.

"I am not dwelling on my stats in first-class cricket.

This is a new chapter, a new stage in my career, so I am looking forward to having a great career in Test cricket. Once given the chance, I would like to prove the

selectors right by giving them good performances," Solozano said.

The former West Indies Under-19 batsman has said he is feeling at home in the Test dressing room, and has kept close with captain Kraigg Brathwaite, with whom he is hoping to open the batting.

"Since coming here, the mood has been very good. I have been welcomed by all my team mates, and it has been like a family here. No complaints, you feel really comfortable and happy.

I am confident (on making debut) once given the opportunity, I would do my best for the West Indies, and contribute to the team," the 26-year-old added.

Both Test matches will be played at the Galle International Stadium. The two Tests would be played from November 21 to 25 and from November 29 to December 3 respectively.

The series is the second of six series, three at home and three away, that West Indies will play in the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship.

FULL SQUAD: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jeremy Solozano and Jomel Warrican.

(Brandon Corlette)

Natasha Bhikhari handing over financial donation to Hilbert Foster

Trading. Bakewell also contributed $100,000 in inflatable characters towards the Christmas Village. Navin and Sons, too, contributed financially towards the toys’ drive.

Over-based Raj Bharrat of the Florida Guyana Hope NGO also contributed financially, along with overseas-based medical doctors Puran Singh and Tulsi Dyal Singh.

Foster has expressed

deep gratitude to Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer for their contribution, and hailed them for their support of charitable causes and the development of cricket in the Ancient County.

Gratitude has also been extended to Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Inc, Rajin Ganga of Bakewell, and Navin Deokissoon of Navin and Sons, for their generous contributions.

Foster has also disclosed

that the club has been able to clinch a sponsorship deal to assist hundreds of less fortunate students with educational materials, while several others would receive bicycles. The club would assist several non-governmental organisations with food hampers and toys in an effort to reach persons across the county. Donations would also be made to the St Mary Anglican Church and the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, along with several orphanages.

Moreover, the club would be sponsoring a Christmas Concert and a feeding programme at St Francis, which played a major part in formation of the club in 1990.

The 12 teams of the RHTY&SC are: Poonai Under-12 and -13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and second division, Pepsi Under-19 and intermediate, Metro females, Vitality Under-23, and Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and first division.

Port Mourant trounce Rose Hall Town in Tenelec U-15 match

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Port Mourant players celebrating the fall of the first wicket

ith cricket successfully returned to the ancient county of Berbice, Port Mourant brushed aside Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes team by 31 runs in the Tenelec Under-15 50-over tournament played on Friday at the Area H Ground on the Corentyne.

Defending U-15 champions Port Mourant scored 109 all out in 28 overs, while Rose Hall Town stumbled to 79 all out in 27.5 overs.

Batting first, Port Mourant reached 109 on the strength of 23 runs scored by Navin Boodwah, who also had bowling figures of 3-16 in 5.5 overs.

Besides Navin Boodwah’s 23, Vishal Williams made 18, and a total of 31 extras from Rose Hall Town propped up Port Mourant’s total.

Matthew Pereira claimed 2-6 in three overs, while Sohil Mohammed had 2-18 in six overs.

Port Mourant displayed poor running between the wickets, and as a result lost six batsmen by the run-out route.

The Rose Hall top order failed to fire, as right-arm pacer Shamul Daniels produced early wickets. Only Pereira reached double figures for Rose Hall Town, with a score of 13, which included one four.

In addition to Budwah’s 3-16, Daniels had

Navin Boodwah top-scored with 23 and claimed three wickets

2-17 and Ravin Budwaj had 2-20. Port Mourant would want to extend dominance in their next round on Sunday November 28 against Albion.

(Brandon Corlette)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

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A look at last year’s 10K race which Winston Missigher won for the first time (Jemima Holmes Photo)

he Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will on Sunday host one of their staple events, the South American 10K Road Race.

With more than 40 Guyanese athletes and an unverified number of overseas athletes expected to take to the streets on Sunday afternoon, the event promises to be one to watch.

Vice Chairman of the SA 10K Local Organising Committee (LOC), Orin Thomas, has lamented the small number of foreign athletes coming to participate. He said this is due to the

Pg 22

COVID-19 pandemic, but he still anticipates this race being an exciting event.

“This 10K that is being hosted by the AAG has been a longstanding event, and it is unfortunate that we do not have as many participants, as many nations, involved because of the COVID issue. But we are here to make this exciting for you guys,” Thomas shared at a media briefing hosted at the AAG office on Friday morning.

He added, “I anticipate a well-organised event that we all

would enjoy.”

The race is expected to commence at 15:30h (3.30pm) outside of the Earth Station on Carifesta Avenue, then head onto the Rupert Craig Highway and turn back at UG Road on the East Coast of Demerara. The athletes will race down to the Kitty Public Road, then go on to Irving Street, then to Thomas Lands and into the National Park, where they will finish at the Children’s Monument.

Orin Thomas: Vice Chairman Competitor Cleveland of the SA 10K LOC Thomas was on hand to share what prizes the athletes will be vying for. “In the senior category, we’re going to be competing for US$1000; that’s the first prize. Second prize will be US$600, third prize US$400, fourth prize US$400 and fifth prize US$100,” Thomas informed.

The National Sports Commission, Powerade, Rainforest Waters, Guyana Energy, Benjamin’s Bakery and Starr Party Rentals are among the event’s sponsors.

Aside from Thomas, the likes of reigning champion Winston Missigher, Jonathan Fagundes, Rosmond Harvey and Sir Kennard Hartog are each expected to bring their ‘A’ game on Sunday.

In addition to the 10K event, two other races in the 3000m and 1500m distances will be conducted for the younger athletes. Those races will be confined to the National Park.

West Indian player Shimron Hetmyer handing over contribution to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

Hetmyers, KSM Investments GSCL Inc grateful for sponsorship support and Bakewell on board RHTY&SC Christmas Programme President of the GSCL Inc, Ian John

See story on page 23

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